On September 18th, according to official reports, Madagascar has called up Troyes goalkeeper Boucher for the first time.

Boucher, 34 years old, currently plays for Troyes in Ligue 1. The player has previously been selected for various French national youth teams from U16 to U21.

In a previous interview with L'Équipe, Boucher had denied playing for Madagascar, but he has now chosen to represent Madagascar.

Boucher once stated: "I am French, I have never been Malagasy. I don't know why everything was reported that way.

From my side, there's nothing. Just look at my passport. It says 'French'.

If the head coach calls me, the answer is: no. And, on an administrative level, I can't even do it. I am not Malagasy.

The French national team jersey is very important to me. Apart from that jersey, I will not wear any other jersey.

I am French, proud to be French, and I don't plan to play in the Africa Cup of Nations with any team."

Madagascar will take on Nigeria away from home on the evening of September 25 (local time) in the opening round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group stage.

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