Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande has articulated his choice to play for Côte d'Ivoire instead of Ghana at the international level.
Born in Côte d'Ivoire, Diomande honed his football skills in Ghana at the Right to Dream Academy during his formative years.
His journey led him to FC Nordsjælland and subsequently to the Scottish club Rangers last summer.
Diomande's stellar form this season drew the attention of Ghana's national team coach, Otto Addo, who selected the 22-year-old for the March international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda. Nevertheless, Diomande opted not to accept the call-up to the Black Stars.
In a dialogue with Nostafoot, as recounted by Ivorian journalist Malick Traoré, Diomande affirmed his allegiance to Côte d'Ivoire.
"My lifelong ambition has been to represent the Ivory Coast, my parents' homeland," he declared. "I am eager to join the Elephants, whether in the senior team or the U23 squad."
Throughout this season, Diomande has been a significant presence at Rangers, earning a starting position in 10 of his 12 Scottish Premiership games and scoring two goals.
