Traore Puts Mali Speculation to Bed

Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore has ended the speculation surrounding his international future, after a statement was released on the Spanish national side’s official website explaining he has withdrawn from the squad due to picking up an injury.

Despite not being able to play in Spain’s upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers, the announcement seems to suggest that Traore has elected to play for his country of birth, Spain, and not Mali, where both his parents are from.

Traore said “Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the call of the national team because of an injury in the game we played this Sunday against Aston Villa.

“I am really sorry I cannot be in this call, but I will continue working to be in the best possible way for the next lists, God willing.

“I want to thank the confidence the coach has placed in me.

“This Monday I will have medical tests at my club, Wolverhampton, to know the extent of the injury”.

Traore was born in L’Hospitalet to the south-west of Barcelona, rising through Barca’s famous La Masia youth system to represent their B-side, formerly coached by Pep Guardiola.  

He’s played for Spain at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels, though many believed he would switch allegiance to Mali after reports he had spoken with the team there began circulating on social media.

Spain will play Malta on 15th November, followed by Romania on 18th November in their final two Euro 2020 qualifiers.