Omar Marmoush Explains Why He Rejected Canada's National Team

The 25-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt player Omar Marmoush explained why he chose to play for Egypt rather than Canada after being offered an opportunity to do so. Marmoush, who was automatically awarded Canadian citizenship because of his parents' nationality, said he felt more connected to his homeland even though the Canadian national team coach had personally called him before to his formal debut with Egypt in 2021.

“I had only visited Canada twice, and despite the opportunity, my heart was set on playing for Egypt,” Marmoush said in an interview with DMC TV. He also emphasized that the decision was not difficult, as playing for Egypt was always his dream. "I felt a strong connection to my roots and wanted to perform for the Pharaohs."

Marmoush has earned 35 caps for Egypt since being selected, tallying three assists and six goals. He said that a major turning point in his career was his transfer to Manchester City, which was rumored to have cost at least €80 million.