Celtic fans took to Twitter to declare their support for the decision of Olivier Ntcham switching allegiances in the international setup.
The 23-year-old took the decision on Tuesday to represent Cameroon over the French national side, despite being born in Longjumeau and representing Les Bleus at youth level. His parents are both from the Central African nation, enabling his eligibility.
It was a huge choice for the former Le Havre and Manchester City youngster, but he has accepted a call up from Cameroon for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Cape Verde and Rwanda.
Last year, after signing a new deal with the Bhoys, he admitted he had to make a decision regarding his international future.
“I am playing for the French now and we have a tournament at the end of this season,” he told BBC Sport. “When you have to make an important decision like that, you have to take your time. I want to take time.”
Fans on Twitter were in full support for the midfielder’s choice.
Ntcham declaring for Cameroon because he’s too good for France.
What a guy ???
— king jules ntcham V1 (@NtchamV2) November 5, 2019
Wow ?
— Paul O’Neill (@PaulONeill_72) November 5, 2019
Thought he played for France u21s
— RicardoMonteglin (@rickysproule74) November 5, 2019
— Batman (@THEBATMAN66666) November 5, 2019
Olivier ntcham a wee suprise name on there. Cameroon or france whose it gonna be? Hail hail olivier on who ever you decide to represent you are a fantastic player when confidence is high.
— paul dean whitworth (@paul1967hoops) November 5, 2019
What do we think?
Switching which international team you represent can always be controversial, just ask Declan Rice that. It’s unlikely he took the decision lightly as to who to play for and with his parents also being natives of Cameroon, it appears as if he wants to continue to represent his family’s heritage.
However, Celtic fans will be hoping that his decision to switch allegiances at this stage of his career won’t have a negative impact on his performances at Parkhead, as the 23-year-old has been crucial for Neil Lennon’s side. In his 17 appearances so far this season, he has gone on to score three goals and provide three assists (TransferMarkt) and it would not be a surprise if he were to add to those figures as the campaign progresses.