Sofyan Amrabat responds in astonishment to remarkable claim by Morocco coach

Sofyan Amrabat has expressed surprise at Mohamed Ouahbi's recent comments. The Ajax midfielder had already said he would no longer make himself available for Morocco for as long as Ouahbi remains head coach.

On Thursday, Ouahbi suggested Amrabat's decision might be linked to his limited playing time at the last World Cup. The 30-year-old midfielder does not see it that way at all. "I didn't expect this, it's a bit strange," Amrabat told ESPN.

Amrabat says his decision has nothing to do with his role as a substitute at the last World Cup. "I played for my country with a great deal of pride. It is the greatest honour there is. Whether it is 90 minutes, 20, 10, or not at all."

"When I wasn't playing, I was always there for the boys. I trained incredibly hard, you can ask anyone. I never demanded more playing time and I never would. In football, you have to force it, earn it."

Still, the Ajax midfielder does not want to make the issue any bigger than it needs to be. "It's not about me, but about the team. He is the coach, so I wish him all the best. I wish the team all the best. I don't like mud-slinging."

He also insists there has been no quarrel with Ouahbi. Amrabat even spoke warmly about rival Ayyoub Bouaddi, who forced him out of the Morocco side. "He is a great player, a super sweet boy. I wish him all the best."

For now, Amrabat is fully focused on Ajax, where he signed a contract at the end of the transfer window. He is full of praise for technical director Jordi Cruyff. "I think he has already proven it. Of course you still have to see where we are at the end of the season, but I think he has put together a very strong team, with a very good staff. A big compliment to him."