Despite starting in two of Juventus’ last four Serie A matches, Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia has turned down a call-up to his national team citing a lack of playing time.
The 29-year-old has only featured in Massimiliano Allegri’s starting XI nine times this campaign, a number clearly not to the liking of the former Bayern Munich man.
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As a result he has made it clear he won’t play for Morocco – who he has featured for on 42 occasions – until he feels he is competitive enough to do so.
“You know how I much I love my country,” he wrote on his Instagram account.
“So it’s with great emotion that I have decided to say no to the national team’s next retreat, and I will do so until my club situation evolves.
“You have to look at the facts: I am not starting for my club, so it’s tough for me to be as competitive as I want to be for my national team.”
Benatia joined Juventus on loan from Bayern Munich last summer, and has since netted one goal in 14 appearances in all competitions.
