Before being called up to the national team by coach Jean-Louis Gasset, Simon Adingra had been approached to join another country’s national team, namely Benin. In an interview, he revealed the story.
After being scammed out of 400,000 FCFA, the player then joined a training center in Benin. He played for a club and began to attract attention thanks to his performances.
Later on, he was approached to join the Benin national team, but his father rejected the offer. Simon Adingra’s sole goal was to represent the Ivory Coast.
Becoming a professional player, he hoped to be selected for his country’s national team, but without success. In 2023, Simon Adingra received a pleasant surprise from Jean-Louis Gasset. For the 2023 AFCON, the French coach decided to select him. The player expressed:
“It all started in Benin, where I had been at a training center for some time. I had already settled in and our club was recognized by the federation, so I had been known since a young age. At one point, I was approached to join the Beninese football team. However, my father categorically refused. He advised me not to rush and to calmly follow my progression.
I had always dreamed of playing for Ivory Coast, but I was never called up. I was in Belgium, loaned out by Brighton who had bought me from Denmark.
That’s when I found out about my selection by coach Jean-Louis Gasset through social media. I was both surprised and delighted.
This selection marked a decisive turning point in my career, allowing me to proudly represent my home country.”
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