Real Madrid’s young midfielder Marco Asensio Willemsen has rejected the chance to switch his allegiances to Netherlands despite a phone call from coach Danny Blind.
- By Michael Bell
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The 19-year-old, who is spending this season on loan with Espanyol, was born to a Dutch mother and Spanish father, but has chosen to represent Spain so far in his career.
In last summer’s U19 European Championship, Asensio Willemsen was named player of the tournament after leading Spain to victory, but still could have switched his allegiance to Netherlands.
Danny Blind called the midfielder, and told AD, “He was very honored that we have made contact with him”,
Ruud van Nistelrooy also laid on a charm offensive, but Asensio Willemsen stuck to his guns and will remain a Spanish international.