Genoa defender Alessandro Marcandalli says he is open to playing for the senior national team of Nigeria, and will make a decision if he gets an invitation from head coach Eric Chelle.
This season 24 year old Marcandalli has grown into a regular in the Italian top division making 20 appearances with two assists. It has led to talks about his international future.
Born in Ponte San Pietro (Bergamo), to an Italian father and a Nigerian mother, he has always valued his mixed origins, without losing sight of his link with Africa and his roots, very present in his training in Italian football.
Eligible for both countries, his preferred international team will be decided when he gets a call up, and he made it clear that while he will listen to his parents, his decision will be personal.
“When a call comes in I will decide. I will listen to my parents, but I will make the decision; it will be something very personal. I was in Nigeria as a child and I would like to return; I have relatives there. I listen to a lot of afrobeat, I love it. Like my mother’s jollof rice, spicy, with peppers. I followed the Africa Cup of Nations and cheered for Nigeria”, he told Secolo XIX.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
