Ajax midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was surprised by statements made by Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui in an interview with ESPN Netherlands.

Previously, Amrabat had declined Morocco's call-up. Regragui then claimed that Amrabat's decision was related to his "disappointing playing time." However, Amrabat denies this.

Regragui said on Friday: "It's not easy to accept reduced playing time."

Amrabat rejected the notion that this was the reason he no longer wanted to play for Morocco under Regragui. He said: "I have to say, I was genuinely surprised. I didn't expect this, and it feels odd. I've never said anything like this about anyone in my career. Never, not even at my club, let alone the national team.

"I love my country. I've always been very proud to play for the national team. It's the greatest honor. Whether I play 90 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, or don't play at all... Even when I didn't play in the World Cup, I was always ready for my teammates. I've always trained very hard, you can ask anyone. I've never demanded anything, and I never will. In football, you have to fight and earn opportunities through your performances. I've always viewed it that way."

Therefore, Regragui's comments also left Amrabat unsatisfied.

Amrabat said: "He also spoke about identity and past experiences, but none of that matters to me. You have to prove yourself on the pitch today. I'm sorry about this because it's not the truth. But I don't want to talk about it anymore. It's not about me, it's about the team. He's the coach. I wish him and the team all the best. I don't like speaking negatively about each other. I don't want to get into this back-and-forth denial argument. He knows the reason."

Regarding the World Cup, Morocco opted to prioritize young talent Ayoub Bouaddi, which was not the reason Amrabat declined the call-up.

Amrabat explained: "Not at all. Bouaddi is a very talented player and a great person. I wish him all the best. The best players should play, and if the coach thinks that's him, then he should play."

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【Amrabat: I will not accept Morocco's call-up as long as the current coach remains in position】

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