By Sulayman Bah
Modou Barrow has turned down Sweden’s invitation opting to play for
Gambia instead, Foroyaa Sport can report.
The 22-year-old is a Gambian-born who grew up in Sweden and which make him eligible to play for any of the two sides, has been the subject of interest with the football federations from both countries trying to woo him to play for them
Sweden have been considering naming the youngster in their squad to feature in the European U-21 Championship at the same time when Gambia’s FF also decided to have him included in the qualifier match against South Africa in June 13th for the Gabon 2017 Afcon qualification.
The situation has been characterised by a stiff competition between the two federations but it now seems Gambia has managed to win over the highly-rated former Osterstunds FK attacker who has confirmed on twitter that his heart is with his country of birth.
This announcement comes four days after Sweden U-21 gaffer Ericson expressed hope the flanker joins his team and start for his adopted country -Sweden.
In a statement confirming his coming after end of the English Premier League, Barrow said: ‘I am pleased to say that I have decided to finally play for the Gambia national team and senior team level. As you all might already know and eligible for either Gambia or Sweden with both handing me invitations but I believe even though Sweden have some very bug and great players, I‘ll be to be part of history in The Gambia, the country I was born in and help it achieve its aim of an Africa Nations Cup and world Cup appearances.’
In a placatory tone, the ex-Norkopping player continued, ‘I know the decision will be a disappointment for some who expect me to play for Sweden, but believe me, it is something I have thought about and I do hope all get to understand my decision which I hope is best for me. Sweden is a country that has given me my chance in professional football and it’ll always be in my heart and be my second country. Thank you and looking forward to playing my first match with Gambia.’
This news comes as a bolstering effect for a West African country looking to break the jinx and qualify for the Gabon finals for first team after dozen of attempts without success.
The left-footer –whose debut against Arsenal made him the first Gambian to play in the EPL –is the second player in a space of weeks to confirm his participation for the Scorpions after Middleborough’s Mustapha Carayol.]]>
