The decision fell, ending months of speculation and hopes on the other side of the Mediterranean: Rayan Cherki, the talented striker of Olympique Lyonnais, was summoned by Didier Deschamps and will wear the jersey of France A. A choice that has necessarily reacted, including Amine Gouiri. The center-forward of the Algerian team, himself a former French international hope, had subtly advised Cherki to not delay if he wished to opt for the Fennecs, and especially not to do it by pure opportunism. Questioned this Saturday by The team On the final choice of his former partner in youth teams, Gouiri delivered a response full of respect, but also of pride for his own journey.
Faced with the decision of Rayan Cherki, Amine Gouiri adopted a diplomat and respectful posture.
“It's his choice. He could come with us, but that's how it is, “ He said to the sports daily. Knowing Lyonnais well, he adds: “I know him very well, I would have been happy to welcome him in the selection. »» However, he immediately chained by stressing the strength of the current Algerian group : “But we have quality players to achieve high goals. »» One way of saying that if Cherki's contribution would have been appreciated, Algeria does not lack talent to continue its journey.
Gouiri closes the door to Cherki, and opens it to convinced
To clearly mark the difference and perhaps emphasize what a commitment implies for a national selection, Gouiri has returned to his own journey. He confirmed to have “No regret” to have chosen Algeria : “I knew very well what the Algerian selection was and I am very happy. »» He then described the state of mind that reigns among the Fennecs, a philosophy which seems to be particularly to his heart: “In selection, there are no stars, we all play for the country, no one is above others, frankly, it's too good. »» He also recalled how Djamel Belmadi had been decisive in his arrival, after two years of contacts initiated by the Federation: “During an exchange with the coach in October 2023, it became obvious. It is largely the reason for my coming (…) I saw it as a duty more than a challenge. »»
Gouiri sur Cherki: “He made his choice, we have ours”
This assumed choice and this felt “duty” bear fruit. Amine Gouiri has established himself as the indisputable number 9 of the Algerian selection, with flattering statistics (14 selections, 6 goals, including 5 in her last 8 appearances). His commitment and his efficiency make him a natural leader of the Greens, who are a lot on him for the next African Cup of Nations in Morocco, he who had missed the previous edition on injury.
Ultimately, Amine Gouiri closes the Cherki dossier with wisdom and a touch of national pride. He respects the decision of Lyonnais while subtly recalling the values of commitment and the collective spirit which animate the Algerian selection. A chapter turns, and while Rayan Cherki begins his journey with the Blues, Amine Gouiri, he continues to trace his road in green, more determined than ever to wear the colors of Algeria high.
