Haller Stands By Decision To Switch Allegiance To Ivory Coast After France Snub
Sebastien Haller says he has no regrets switching allegiance to the Ivory Coast after a long-awaited call-up to the French national team failed to come to fruition.
Born in France to a French father and an Ivorian mother, Haller represented the country of his birth at youth level but did not get the chance to represent Les Bleus at the senior side.
The West Ham United striker got his first call-up to represent the Elephants earlier this month, and he marked his debut for the West African country with a goal as Ivory Coast defeated Madagascar 2-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Thursday.
When asked if it was difficult for him to leave France after playing for their U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 teams, the 26-year-old told France Football: “No since I'm not giving up anything, I haven't been anywhere. I did not go to the A-team and I do not regret this choice at all.
“If I haven't been there, it's because there are reasons, it's life, it's career. I'm glad I didn't go because, otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to reach Cote d'Ivoire.
"Didier Deschamps? Everyone makes their choices as they see fit. Everyone makes their way in relation to themselves. You can't blame something that didn't happen. If it didn't happen, it must have been like this.
“I try to avoid looking back or trying to regret things that might have happened. Today, you have to move forward, look ahead, take the opportunities, focus on them and be positive.”
Haller, who joined West Ham from Eintracht Frankfurt for a club record £45m last summer, has scored one goal in seven league games this season but he has also struck four times in three EFL Cup matches.
