Algeria midfielder Younes Benali has confirmed his dismissal from French Ligue 1 club Nantes because of his participation at the 2023 TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nantes were reluctant to release to 16-year-old for the age-grade tournament but he made his way to his country to represent Arezki Remmane’s team and he played from start to finish in their 2-0 triumph over Somalia in the opening match.
Benali, in reaction to the news from Nantes, defended his decision to play for the Fennec Foxes, describing it as a pride and a rare opportunity for him.
He said in a press conference: “Since I was little, I play at FC Nantes. And as many know, I am in love with this club, it is my club of heart. I have always respected FC Nantes, since I was little I did everything there.
“This year, I had the opportunity to represent my country, Algeria. It is not given to everyone to represent this country. It is a great pride. I did everything right.
“With the club we did not agree on some points. I respected everything I had to do. I decided to go to Algeria. I was not disrespectful. I made the choice to respect my country and it must be respected. Afterwards, there are those who do not agree with me.
“But the most important thing is to go as far as possible in the African Cup.”
Benali is in contention to play a part when Algeria face Senegal in Group A top-of-the-table clash on Tuesday.
