Argentina will be in action for the first time since their World Cup success last December and Lionel Scaloni has included Brighton & Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister in the squad for the ongoing international break.
La Albiceleste face Panama later today and ahead of the friendly tie, Olé sat down a detailed interview with the midfielder.
Brighton took the 24-year-old from Boca Juniors in 2019 and his time at the Amex has helped the Seagulls develop more following in his country.
When asked if the Premier League side are aware of this, he said: “I told you a little about how the Argentine people, after they saw the reception they gave me, joined in a lot: they felt part of it, they enjoyed it and they began to support Brighton.”
“People saw the affection that I have for the club and the affection that the club has for me. Since then, there is stronger support. That they get up to see Brighton is a source of pride. There is an Argentine community that is very supportive of me and them. And they are happy.”
Mac Allister received a warm reception from Brighton when he returned to the club after winning the World Cup. He detailed the role of the supporters in helping him adjust to life in England when asked if the reception was the turning point of his relationship with the Seagulls.
“For me it was not a turning point. I have always had the love and support of the club since I arrived,” the South American explained.
“It was very strong the first year because I didn’t have to play much. I came from Boca, an Argentine player… They expected a lot from me and the first year I couldn’t adapt easily and they always supported me anyway. Yes, it was an inflation point for the Argentine people with Brighton [and] how they received me.”
Olé then quizzed the player if he had an idea about Brighton’s plans to welcome him.
“Not really. That’s when you start to realise what it means to win a World Cup. They came to pick me up at the airport, they took me directly and I anticipated that there was something, but not that much! What’s more, I was embarrassed to raise my glass after greeting everyone and they insisted on me because there was ‘something else’. I picked it up and the pieces of paper exploded,” Mac Allister stressed.
