Argentine outlet La Nación this week a very good piece with Brighton & Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay, who despite being born in France, has strong bonds with the South American country.
With his mother born in the city of Bernal, the player became interested in their culture, and even got citizenship at the age of 18.
That even turned into the possibility of playing for their national team one day. He could be called up by France as well, and that’s something that already crossed his mind.
“I’ve asked myself that question before. I can’t predict what’s going to happen, but playing for a national team would be amazing,” Maupay told La Nación.
“It’s hard to imagine two managers calling you at the same time (laughs). If this were to happen, of course I’d have to decide.”
Maupay revealed that he’s built some affection for Boca Juniors, and praises the mindset that Argentine players carry to matches.
“What I like the most about the Argentine players is that they are very ambitious, they are hungry for glory, have a lot of energy and are always determined to fight and win. Their mentalities are very strong. My mum doesn’t play football, but she’s like that too.”
Since living in Brighton, Maupay has found a couple of ways to feel closer to Argentina. One of them is his friendship with midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
“With Alexis we group together and we have a great friendship. On his last call to the national team I told him to talk to the coach about me, to tell him that there is a French nationalised Argentine who wants to play there.
“I try to practice my Spanish with him, there are words that are still difficult for me, but I always try to make myself understood.”
The striker also found a place where he can get good Argentine food in the city.
“One day we went to eat at a restaurant in Nice, where the meat was Argentine and I liked it a lot. Now that I live in Brighton I go to another one called Latinoamericano, where they cook this type of meat. I’m not one to go out much, but every time I do, my date is there.”
