Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday gave his view over Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz's decision to play international football for Morocco.

Brahim Diaz (L) of Real Madrid vies with Gaston Alvarez of Getafe during their Spanish La Liga football match in Madrid, Spain on Sept. 2, 2023. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

Brahim has dual nationality and was expected to be called into the next Spain squad, which De la Fuente will name on Friday for forthcoming games against Brazil and Colombia.

However, Brahim has opted instead to play for Morocco, despite representing Spain at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels, with some sectors of the pro-Real Madrid press blaming De la Fuente for not assuring the player of his role in the side.

Asked about Brahim's decision at a press event, De la Fuente made his opinion clear.

"Perhaps in Madrid we feel at the center of everything. I have lived in the provinces and know the values of all the very good footballers there are in Spain and who, unfortunately, don't get the recognition they deserve," he said.

"I have also always said that there are three maxims when it comes to being selected [for the national team]. One is that you are good enough; secondly, you have to want to do so and third is that the coach calls him up."

"But the most important thing is to want to play, without demands and without conditions, with equal rights and obligations to the rest of the players," he added, as it looks to be a clear message to Brahim, who has worked with De la Fuente in the Spain youth system.

"Brahim has been with me more than with any coach, I appreciate and know his value as a player. I wish him the best, but everyone is free to make their own decisions," added the coach, who added that there would be some new faces in Friday's squad.

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