Why did Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho choose to play for Argentina over Spain?

Alejandro Garnacho is one of the hottest young prospects on European soccer’s club scene, with Manchester United prising him away from Atlético Madrid’s youth academy at the age of 16. But the teenager has not only been involved in a tug-of-war at club level, with both Spain and Argentina vying for his services internationally.

Why did Garnacho not play in the under-20 World Cup?

Born in Madrid on 1 July 2004, the attacking midfielder played three games for Spain’s under-18 team before switching allegiances. Garnacho, who has scored four times in five appearances for Argentina’s under-20 side, missed the recent under-20 World Cup due to club commitments but could now be set to make his full debut for his ‘new’ country in their summer friendlies against Australia and Indonesia.

Speaking to Argentinian broadcaster TyC Sports ahead of the game against the Socceroos, Garnacho revealed why he saw things through sky blue rather than red tinted glasses.

Argentinian “love” sways it for Garnacho

“All of my mother’s family is Argentinian, they’ve always lived there. And my father’s is from Spain. The way things worked out, my mother’s family moved to Spain and she met my father there and I was born there. I’m really close with my mother’s side of the family, we’ve always supported the (Argentinian) national team since I was little.

“I didn’t have to think twice because I feel Argentinian, I am Argentinian. They put their faith in me and it was clear to me. It’s a great team, it’s a great opportunity and the whole family are really happy and have supported me from minute one. I don’t need to play three games for them. If I don’t play in these matches, it doesn’t matter. I know that I want to be with Argentina and that it’ll happen.

“From what I’ve read and seen on social media, I know that a lot of people in Argentina love and appreciate me. Because I’ve made the decision to play for Argentina, the majority of them love me. And I’m going to repay that love with what I do out there on the field. I want to have a career in the Argentina national team”.

FIFA’s international eligibility rules

According to FIFA rules, players can still switch between countries if they have played fewer than three competitive matches for one national team up until the age of 21. Garnacho, therefore, still has time to change his mind again, but it doesn’t sound as if there’s any chance of that happening.