Former Spur turns his back on his country

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Adel Taarabt has quit international football for Morocco this season to focus on QPR’s promotion push.

Instead of playing for the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, the 21-year-old is playing his football in the Championship and has urned his back on international football after flying to Tanzania for an African Cup of Nations tie – only to be left on the bench by coach Dominique Cuperly.

‘I will stop playing for Morocco this season,’ the playmaker said. ‘I want to concentrate on my club, as the national team disrespected me. The fact I was called up to face Tanzania and not used did not please me at all. I want to play all the time, so I’m retiring as I did not play for them.

‘I spent 22 hours on aeroplanes, I did not play and nobody explained to me why. The Moroccan FA has invited me to play against Northern Ireland next month – but I don’t plan to respond favourably.’

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