National team: Eli Junior Kroupi chooses between France, Côte d’Ivoire and Portugal

Eligible to represent three national teams, Eli Junior Kroupi has made his choice. The Bournemouth forward, currently recovering from injury, has made clear his ambition to continue his international career with the France national team.

The suspense is over. Eli Junior Kroupi wants to wear the France shirt. In an interview with DAZN on Saturday, the 20-year-old forward confirmed his intention to represent France, despite the opportunities available to him with Côte d’Ivoire and Portugal.

Born in France, the Bournemouth player is eligible for the Ivorian national team through his father. On his mother’s side, his Portuguese roots also opened the door to the Seleção. However, the forward has chosen to pursue his career and maintain his ties with French football.

“We all reached an agreement. I have always played for France’s youth teams, I was born in France and started playing football in France, so I can’t see myself going to a culture I don’t know. So naturally, the France national team is the objective,” he explained.

France, a continuation of his career path

A France international at under-21 level, Eli Junior Kroupi has made five appearances for Les Bleuets and scored three goals. His objective now is to take another step forward by one day joining the senior national team.

Portugal had nevertheless shown interest. Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez acknowledged that he had contacted the player’s entourage before a squad gathering, while stressing that the final decision belonged to Kroupi.

“In this case, Eli Junior Kroupi wanted to play for France. We respect that, and the matter is closed,” he said.

A first call-up expected after his return

A revelation in the last Premier League season, Kroupi scored 13 goals in 33 league matches for Bournemouth during his first campaign in England. That efficiency enhanced his profile and his international ambitions.

The forward is currently recovering from a fractured metatarsal, for which he underwent surgery on July 29. His physical condition could delay his senior debut. A call-up in November appears uncertain, while the March 2027 international window could provide another opportunity, depending on his recovery and performances.

Read also: Barcelona remain very interested in Eli Junior Kroupi

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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