Abqar: "Belonging to Morocco Is Not Tied to Birthplace, We Wear the Jersey with Love Rooted in Our Blood"

Getafe defender and Moroccan international Abdelkabir Abqar affirmed that representing the Moroccan national team remains a great dream for any player, emphasizing that belonging to one's homeland is not determined by geography but by a deep-rooted inner feeling.

In an interview with "El Mundo" newspaper, on the sidelines of his team's match against Real Madrid in the Spanish league, Abqar explained that playing during the month of Ramadan poses additional challenges, especially when matches are scheduled before Iftar. He added that he has been accustomed to fasting since childhood, but the pressure of competitions requires him to redouble his efforts to maintain his physical readiness.

The Moroccan defender spoke about his beginnings, noting that he joined the Mohammed VI Football Academy at the age of eleven before moving to Spain, where he had stints with Malaga and then Deportivo Alavés, eventually arriving at Getafe. He affirmed that his career demanded significant sacrifices, particularly after leaving his family at an early age and enduring hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regarding his international experience, Abqar expressed pride in playing his first match with the senior Moroccan national team in 2024, considering wearing the "Atlas Lions" jersey a personal and family dream come true, with aspirations of winning a continental title in the future.

He also stressed that the presence of players born outside Morocco, such as Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi, does not affect team cohesion. He added that the love for Morocco "runs in the blood," which makes everyone fight for the national jersey. He also mentioned sending a message of support to Brahim Díaz after he missed a penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final.