Crystal Palace summer signing Chadi Riad has admitted he is disappointed not to be shining at the Olympic Games in Paris with Morocco.
The defender has been speaking to Telemundo about his country, admitting he is proud of the country’s youngster’s shining in Paris, even if he couldn’t be a part of it.
Riad joined Crystal Palace earlier this summer in a €15m move from Real Betis, who he had joined last summer on loan from Barcelona.
That proved to be a smart career choice for him as he shone under Manuel Pellegrini, ultimately catching Crystal Palace’s eye and earning him a move to the Premier League this summer.
He would likely have been a part of the group heading to the competition but was blocked by Crystal Palace, who wanted him in their squad for pre-season to help him adapt quicker to his new surroundings.
That means Riad has had to watch from the sidelines as his country have impressed, with them set to take on Egypt for the bronze medal later today.
And he’s hinted at a little lingering frustration over that, even if he’s delighted for the next crop of youngsters coming through.
“I’m very happy. Unfortunately, I can’t be with them because of the club’s issues, but they decided that I should stay here. I’m happy anyway,” he said.
“Little by little, new Marroquí talents are coming out, like Elías Ajumás, Abde, Benseguir, and I’m very happy with how we’re taking Marruecos to the top.”
