Thiago Pitarch Leaves Door Open to Morocco: ‘What Has to Come Will Come’

Rabat – Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch has again left the door open to representing Morocco in the future, despite currently playing for Spain’s U19 national team.

Pitarch spoke to Spanish radio program El Larguero after Spain reached the final of the UEFA European U19 Championship.

The young midfielder was asked about his international future and whether he had already made a final decision between Spain and Morocco.

For now, he avoided giving a clear answer.

“First, we have to win on Saturday, and what has to come in the future will come,” Pitarch said. “It is still very far away.”

When asked again whether he was sure about his decision, he repeated that he is only focused on Spain’s U19 team.

“I see it as very far away,” he said. “First, I am here with the U19 team, and what has to come will come.”

Morocco still watching

Pitarch is eligible to represent Morocco through his paternal grandparents, according to Cadena SER.

That background has kept him on Morocco’s radar, especially as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation continues to follow several dual-national talents across Europe.

Spanish reports had previously said the Spanish Football Federation moved quickly to keep Pitarch in its youth setup, while Morocco were still expected to continue their efforts because he has not yet played for Spain’s senior national team.

The case also comes after Morocco successfully convinced Brahim Diaz to represent the Atlas Lions despite his long connection with Spanish football.

For that reason, Pitarch’s situation remains sensitive in both Spain and Morocco.

Earlier this year, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou publicly encouraged Pitarch to choose the Atlas Lions.

“He has family here and also in Spain,” Bounou said, according to reports cited by Football España. “He will do what he really feels.”

Bounou also said Morocco would welcome the Real Madrid youngster “with open arms.”

Those comments showed how much attention Pitarch’s future has already attracted inside Moroccan football circles.