Madrid: FC Barcelona's 19-year-old striker Munir el Haddadi committed his future to Spain just a day after his shock call-up by national football coach Vicente del Bosque for the squad which entertains Macedonia in a 2016 European Championship qualifying match Monday.
Munir, who celebrated his 19th birthday Sep 1, was promoted from the Spain Under-21 squad following a hamstring injury suffered by Diego Costa, reports Xinhua.
His call-up is a major shock given that last season he was playing in the Barcelona Under-19 side and has made just two appearances in the Spanish Primera Liga, however, it is thought Del Bosque decided to pick the youngster because if he plays just one minute Monday, he would not be able to represent any other country.
Although he was born just outside of Madrid, Munir's mother is Moroccan and his father also has Moroccan roots and that country were also interested in securing his services.
"When I heard the news, my mouth dropped open," admitted Munir on Spanish TV network 'Cuatro' Saturday.
"This is a dream come true and I want to enjoy it, take any chance that I am given and do the best that I can," he said, before dispelling any doubts over which was his preferred country.
"It is a huge honour for me to be called up and I want to play for Spain. Every summer that Spain played I followed them ever since I was little," said Munir.
