Alejandro Garnacho has had some difficult decisions to make when it comes to both his club and international future over the last few campaigns with managers sitting at the heart of things
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho completed a £40m move to Chelsea this summer
(Image: Getty Images)
Alejandro Garnacho opted to leave Manchester United after falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim. And while the Red Devils boss was key to the winger’s club future, it was another managerial change that had a major impact on his international commitments.
Garnacho is now an eight-time Argentina international but he found himself at the centre of a tug of war between the South American nation and Spain while still a teenager.
Garnacho had represented Spain at under-18 level having been born in Madrid, while he was eligible to play for Argentina through his mother. After being left out of the Argentina squad for the 2022 World Cup, Garnacho even held talks with Spain chiefs over a change of allegiance.
Luis Enrique was thought to be a big fan but he left his post shortly after the tournament, with Luis de la Fuente taking over - a decision that was crucial. And that eventually led Argentina to putting their faith in Garnacho, Lionel Scaloni calling him up.
"I feel Argentinian, I am Argentinian,” Garnacho said as he explained his international allegiance. "They bet on me and it was clear to me. It's a very big national team, a very good opportunity and my whole family is very happy and supported me from minute one.”
Asked if he could yet perform a U-turn, he replied: "I don't need to play three games. I'm here and if I don't make my debut on the tour, it doesn't matter. I know I want to be with Argentina and it's going to happen.
"I want to make a career with the Argentine national team, if the coach trusts me I can keep coming. I want to be one more and take part in the Copa America, the qualifiers and the World Cup.
"I know that a lot of people in Argentina love me, appreciate me. I've already made the decision to play for Argentina, and I'm going to return that love on the pitch," he added.
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho eventually declared for Argentina
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Garnacho has not been called up for Argentina since November last year, having struggled during that particular international break. But Scaloni remained sure that Garnacho still had a future with his nation.
“The message is that they are young, and we are going to put them in [the team],” Scaloni said. “It is the only way to see them. Without friendly matches, [we need to] put them on the pitch whenever the team needs it.”
Garnacho was left out of the recent squad having not had a pre-season with United ahead of his £40m switch to Chelsea.
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