Roberto Martinez has revealed Eli Junior Kroupi turned down a World Cup call-up for Portugal due to the forward’s desire to represent France.
The Bournemouth star, who is set to feature in his side’s crunch clash with Manchester City on Tuesday, has been the subject of a recent international tug-of-war.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a colossal season for the Cherries having netted 12 goals in 31 appearances, to thrust him into the spotlight at club and international level.
His superb form put him in contention for a World Cup call-up but for Portugal and not France – the country he was born in.
Kroupi’s mother is of Portuguese descent, meaning he could have had the opportunity to line up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and co.
Portugal boss Martinez announced his 26-player squad for the World Cup on Tuesday with all eyes on whether the Bournemouth star would be among the star-studded names.
Martinez addresses Kroupi rumours
But the ex-Everton boss quickly set the record straight and revealed that whilst there was interest from the Portuguese FA, the forward rebuffed their approach.
“Before the March training camp, we approached him. But one thing is accompanying players who can wear the Portugal shirt, another is the player’s willingness,” Martinez told reporters.
“And in this case, Junior wanted to represent France, so we respect that.”
Portugal was not the only option on the table for the Bournemouth star. Kroupi’s father, Eli Kroupi, was born in the Ivory Coast although the ex-Rennes, Lorient and Angers forward never made an international appearance.
However, that idea was shot down by his father in March.
“Junior is French, he doesn’t know Cote d’Ivoire,” Kroupi Sr told Sport News Africa.
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“So these are very tough decisions. I can’t push him to choose Cote d’Ivoire, harass him about it, and then, if it goes wrong, he’ll blame me.
“I want to keep my role as a father. And people need to understand that. He’s my only son, I’ve raised him. Whether his choices are positive or negative, I support him.”
Kroupi Jr’s football development took place in France and with hometown side FC Lorient.
He spent 12 years at the Breton club prior to his move to Bournemouth and has clocked up 39 appearances in France’s various youth teams.
He has three goals from five appearances for France Under-21s and could be a future option for whoever succeeds Didier Deschamps as France head coach after the World Cup.
Les Bleus legend Zinedine Zidane is the favourite to lead the senior side in the autumn.
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And Kroupi will have a host of star names to dislodge if he is to force his way into the reckoning including Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Ousmane Dembele.
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