Crystal Palace centre-back Chadi Riad is back after recovering from a leg injury that kept him out of the game for a long time.
The 22-year-old Moroccan international, who also featured for Real Betis under Manuel Pellegrini, is now hoping to reclaim his place in both club and country line-ups.
Speaking to BeIN Sports journalist Mahdi Foudi, Riad reflected on his journey from Barcelona’s academy: “I think it’s the best soccer school in the world. They train you in an incredible way. Thanks to Masia I made a big jump in my level, which allowed me to reach professional football.”
Riad added that “Oliver Glasner had a strong interest in my qualities as a defender. But from what I heard from Diogo Friedman, they told me that Crystal Palace is a great team, where I will be able to continue developing my abilities.”
After moving from the Spanish League to the English League, Riad said that there is a big difference. Riad said that in Spain it’s more peaceful because it relies on a tactical approach, but in the English League it’s more physical effort.
“It was a bit hard in the beginning, because of the new League but also the new environment,” he added.
His progress was halted when Riad suffered a ligament injury during a training session: “Everyone goes through hard times, but it is about how you get over it and think to take the best out of the situation.”
During the World Cup qualifiers, Riad partnered with Nayef Aguerd in the backline when Morocco beat Congo Brazzaville 6-0 in Agadir. The defender scored the second goal for the Atlas Lions in the 16th minute.
The defender expressed gratitude to his coaches and teammates for their support during recovery.
“AFCON is my goal. I’m working hard to come back and earn Walid Regragui’s trust. Starter or substitute, the main thing is to be there with Morocco.”
