Ahmed Touba Dumps Belgium for Algeria

Belgium’s loss became Algeria’s gain on Friday after Ahmed Touba voiced interest to play for the North African nation.

The 20-year-old, Belgian youth international, has been in coach Roberto Martinez’s thinking after it emerged that he’s in talks with Algeria football officials.

The defender, a transfer target of FC Porto, Celta Vigo amid a legion of admirers, did not take long to make his choice –shunning proposal to play for The Red Devils in favour of The Desert Foxes.

Revealing his intention to commit his future to the African side in an interview with Le Buteur, the sensation reckons he has to engineer a mega move to make him a must-pick to new Algeria national team gaffer Belmadi.

“Last year, I spoke several times with an official of the Algerian Football Federation. It was in the time of my Champions League debut with Bruges,” he said.

He continued: “I was unable to continue the matches for different reasons and since things have cooled a little; now, I do not hesitate to find a new club to strengthen the ranks of the Algerian national team, God-willing.”

Amed had been eligible to play for France, Belgium before opting on Algeria whom he qualifies to feature for through his parents.

“Basically, I have the opportunity to play for three countries. I am already a Belgian international at youth category, I can also play for France and of course for my country of origin which is Algeria. If the FAF (Algeria FA) called me now I wouldn’t mind saying yes.”