The 21-year-old, born in Brussels to Italian and Spanish parents, played for Belgium at junior level. However, in 2024, he decided to play for Spain, but then he was not invited to the national team under the age of 20.
Fernandez-Pardo has had a strong season at Lille, who are third in France’s Ligue 1 and on track for a place in next season’s European Champions League, and is seen as an attacking option where Belgium have doubts.
All-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku has had an injury-riddled season and has featured sparingly for Italy’s Napoli, while Lois Openda has played sparingly at Napoli’s league rivals Juventus, prompting the Belgian federation to turn to Fernandez-Pard.
“Choosing Belgium was not easy because I feel a deep connection with both Belgium and Spain.
Positive and honest discussions with coach Rudi Garcia and technical director of the Belgian Football Association Vincent Mannaert ultimately played a decisive role in my decision to choose Belgium.
Furthermore, playing alongside my teammates Thomas Meunier and Nathan Ngoy at Lille strengthened my decision.
They helped solidify that feeling for me, both on and off the field. I am delighted that I can now fully dedicate myself to the Belgian national team,” Fernandez-Pardo said.
He has scored eight goals with seven assists in 40 appearances in all competitions this season for Lille.
Garcia will announce Belgium’s 26-man World Cup squad on Friday. The Belgians play Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in the group, which starts next month in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
(Vijesti.ba)
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