REAL MADRID NEWSReal Madrid playmaker is very close to switching national team from Spain to Morocco

Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz has spent the last few weeks torn between the two options in front of him on the international front.

The Real Madrid youngster has a dual citizenship and can thus play for either Spain or Morocco.

Diaz has already made his debut for the Spanish National Team and has been a part of La Roja’s junior sides as well. In fact, he even won the U17 World Cup with the red colours.

Morocco, nevertheless, are relentless in their pursuit of the Real Madrid star. After all, FIFA rules that a player with dual citizenship can change his federation if he has played less than three senior games with a federation or a period of at least three years has elapsed since he last represented the crest.

Now, according to reports from MARCA, Diaz has made his decision. He will give up the chance to represent the 2010 World Cup winners to defend the colours of Morocco.

As it stands, the process of changing nationality is underway, and very close to being approved. Only small administrative details remain.

A player’s international and club careers are usually completely separate with no overlap. Thus, a player’s national loyalty does not affect their commitment at the club level.

Yet, Diaz’s case is different. With the youngster opting to play for Morocco, Real Madrid will likely not be able to count on him in January because of his imminent call-up for the African Cup of Nations.

Needless to say, it will be a big blow for Ancelotti during a month with an unforgiving schedule. Diaz may not have received much prominence under the manager yet this season, but his role is only set to increase in the coming months.