Kondogbia explains decision to play for national team of Central African Republic: "It's always been my dream"

Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia decided to represent the national team of the Central African Republic, his country of origin, rather than France, his country of birth. The switch came ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, where his team lost 4-0 to Côte d'Ivoire, and as Kondogbia had yet to play an official match for France. Kondogbia explained his decision: "To play in this match for me was a matter of great pride. I felt many, many, emotions. From the moment that I arrived in Bangui, I had many images come to mind: where I came from to be here, where my parents grew up, and many other things. My family and friends were not in agreement, probably because they thought that playing for France would give me more advantages. So I picked the easier route, trying to ignore my dream. But this is what I have always wanted. And when it became clear that France would not be calling me up any more, even those who initially were opposed understood and allowed me to leave."