CAN 2025: called up at the last minute, Himad Abdelli speaks candidly about his decision to play for Algeria

The late call-up of Himad Abdelli to the Algerian national team, following the withdrawal of Houssem Aouar, has sparked far more than just a sporting debate. For the Angers midfielder, this invitation to CAN 2025 carries a deeply personal, almost family-like significance, just days before the Greens kick off their campaign in Morocco.

See also: Algeria: Aouar ruled out for CAN 2025, Abdelli called up

Speaking to the media, Abdelli expressed overwhelming pride:

"I’m very happy with this call-up. Now, as I said, we have to do everything to have a great CAN."

He then emphasized the weight of the jersey:

"We are Algeria, a great footballing nation. The goal is to go as far as possible in this CAN."

But it is above all his personal connection that left a lasting impression.

"My grandfather told me to play for Algeria. (...) I always told myself I would make my grandparents proud," he revealed to Footmercato,

recalling with emotion a memory shared in Tizi Ouzou.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations