Roberto Martinez confirms Portugal’s failed attempt to lure France youth international Eli Junior Kroupi
Roberto Martinez confirms Portugal’s failed attempt to lure France youth international Eli Junior Kroupi Eli Junior Kroupi (19) is having an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League. It was his excellent strike against Manchester City on Tuesday night that ultimately sealed the title for Arsenal. It was the former FC Lorient forward’s 13th goal in the Premier League this season.
No teenager has scored more than the Frenchman in a debut Premier League campaign. Clubs will be sniffing around for Kroupi, however, Bournemouth are insistent that they won’t sell. The club’s qualification for European competition for next season strengthens their position in that regard.
But a nation was also sniffing. Kroupi is now a feature for the France U21s, however, ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, Portugal, whom Kroupi can represent due to his mother being Portuguese, made an approach. Portugal manager, Roberto Martinez, upon announcing his squad for the World Cup on Tuesday, confirmed that an unsuccessful approach was made.
“We were on it before the news came out. Before the March international break, we already made a move. But it is one thing to accompany players who can wear the Portugal jersey, but the players’ will is another thing.
In this case, Junior wanted to play for France. We respect that the topic is closed,” he said. Kroupi will not play for France at this summer’s World Cup, with the Bournemouth forward missing out on Didier Deschamps’ squad.