2018 World Champion with the French team, Adil Rami could have had a very different destiny. During a live performance, the former French international (36 caps) revealed that he originally wanted to wear the colors of Morocco and represent the Atlas Lions, his country of origin. But it was Claude Puel, his coach at the time in Lille, who dissuaded him and convinced him to wait for his chance in the French team even though Morocco had contacted him.
“I would have really loved playing with Morocco, of course. It’s a source of pride. Me, Claude Puel told me: “you don’t know this world yet, take your time, don’t put up any barriers.” “He already saw the French team in me. But I didn’t realize it. First of all, I couldn’t dream of being a professional footballer, it happened in 8 months. Dreaming of the French team was impossible, so I wanted to play for Morocco. that Claude Puel told me that with all the respect he has for Morocco, I must not accept so as not to put barriers in my way. And I remember crying in my room, I said to myself it was Puel who. launched me as a professional, I can’t act like a man, too many recognitions I was crazy sad. Can you imagine if I accept Morocco and they don’t make me play anymore, I’m dead. » A juicy anecdote which also confirms the impact of the choice of selection on clubs and careers.
