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I don't like playing in Africa, says Moroccan Taarabt Moroccan striker Adel Taarabt doesn't regret quitting the Morocco team, preferring to spend time with his family
The 22-year-old striker walked out on Morocco's national team after being told that he would not start against Algeria in the African qualifier game on 4 June. "I was so disappointed when they told me that I would not start the game. I produced an excellent performance in England this season and I prepared myself to play the game. I couldn't understand why I was on the sidelines and so I blew up," Taarabt told French website L'Equipe. "My exclusion from the national team isn't a big issue. I love my country but I don't like to play in Africa on pitches that are not even pitches, as well as the long trips. It's better for me to spend time with my family,” he added. Talking about a possible return to the squad after solving this issue, he said, "I know it would be difficult, seeing that coach Eric Gerets is a man of a strong personality and too much pride. But if they call me and insist I will not refuse. I had no problem with Gerets. My behaviour during the camp was a normal reaction to an unfair decision," Taarabt explained. The Queens Park Rangers striker was one of the finest African performers in Europe, helping his team win the Championship and secure promotion to the English Premier League. The in-form forward – who scored 19 goals in 43 matches – has been courted by several big guns and seems likely to move on from QPR. "Queens Park Rangers will demand £10 million for me, and for now, the clubs do not move too much. I had contact with Arsenal and Chelsea, but it is a little muddled. Arsenal have not yet sold [Cesc] Fabregas, and as for Chelsea, they do not yet have a coach, so we will see," he concluded.
