Rangers: Mohamed Diomande releases statement after making decision on Ghana call-up
Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande has released a statement after rejecting the chance to link up with the Ghana national team.
Diomande was called up by both Ghana, where he spent seven years earlier his career, and country of birth Ivory Coast for their March fixtures.
The 22-year-old has already been capped once by Ivory Coast at Under-23s level, but he has the choice of switching allegiance.
However, Diomande wants more time to decide which country he wants to represent going forward.
In a statement published on his personal Instagram account [21 March], Diomande said: “As a child passionate about football, my dream was to become a professional footballer and to defend the colours of my country wherever I go and play with the national team.
“Today I am really grateful with ALLAH for having achieved part of this dream; that of becoming a professional footballer, it remains the other part; that of joining the national team and also of making my parents proud.
“In addition, I am equally aware of the interest in my host country Ghana, where I have spent more than 7 years of my life and training as a footballer.
“However, a lot has been said, but I am in direct contact with the manager concerned by my decision, and it is he who holds the real information about my choice.
“I would like to thank my club Rangers FC for their support, my family and also all my fans during this period.”
Mohamed Diomande can represent Ghana and Ivory Coast
Diomande has been superb since arriving at Rangers from FC Nordsjaelland in the January transfer window and has undoubtedly enhanced his reputation.
Ivory Coast may now regret not handing the midfielder a senior cap sooner, with African rivals Ghana waiting to pounce.
The Elephants only called Diomande up to the Under-23s squad again this month, whereas Ghana wanted him in their senior squad.
Given he is now 22, Diomande will know that he has to make a decision on his international future sooner rather than later.
As can be the case with players with dual nationalities, coming to a decision is very tough. Ultimately, Diomande must decide if he feels more connected to the Ivory Coast or Ghana.
You’d expect that decision will be made one way or the other in time for the next batch of international fixtures in the summer.
In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement has identified an area of improvement that could help settle the title battle with Celtic.
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