Sevilla midfielder Franco Vazquez has officially switched international allegiances from Italy to Argentina, stating that he “always felt Argentinian”.
The 29-year-old has two caps for Italy but because neither cap was in a competitive fixture, Vazquez is allowed to switch to the South American nation.
The talented playmaker was born in Argentina but was raised by his Italian mother so had the chance to opt for either country when he established himself as a professional footballer.
Vazquez spoke to reporters about his change of heart, insisting that he always felt that Argentina was his preference while also expressing his relief at not representing Italy in a competitive match.
“I spoke to [caretaker manager Lionel] Scaloni, who told me there was the possibility of getting called up,” Vazquez told TyC Sports (via Football Italia).
“I thanked him for the opportunity. A few years ago I played for Italy because my mother is from there, but thank God I didn’t take part in any competitive matches. I now have the chance to make my dream come true and wear the Albiceleste jersey.
“I always felt Argentinian.”
Franco Vazquez made his Italy debut in a friendly against England in 2015
Vazquez had played the majority of his career in both Argentina and Italy, breaking through the set-up at Argentine club Belgrano to make 74 league appearances before moving to Serie A side Palermo where he made 105 league appearances, scoring 22 goals.
His impressive form for the Italian outfit convinced Sevilla to spend €15 million on the attacking playmaker and he has gone on to play in 53 league games, scoring 11 goals.
André Silva scored more goals on his LaLiga debut for Sevilla (3) than he did in the entire 2017/18 Serie A season for AC Milan.
Hat-trick hero.
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— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 19, 2018
Vazquez scored Sevilla’s first goal of the 2018/19 La Liga season in a 4-1 victory away to Rayo Vallecano, although on-loan AC Milan striker Andre Silva stole the show with a hat-trick on his debut. The now-Argentina international did, however, provide the assist for Silva’s third goal.
Los Rojiblancos will now travel to the Czech Republic to face Sigma Olomouc for the first leg of their Europa League play-off fixture, hoping to re-enter a competition they have won more times than any other club after finishing seventh in LaLiga last time out.
Sevilla have lifted the trophy on five different occasions, three of which came in consecutive years under new Arsenal boss Unai Emery between 2014 and 2016.
The post Franco Vazquez switches international allegiances from Italy to Argentina appeared first on Squawka News.
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