Adam Masina is excited to make his bow in senior international football, having been called up by the Morocco national team for the first time this break.
The left-back was born in Khouribga, Morocco, but moved to Italy as a child, came through the ranks at Bologna and made six appearances for Italy Under-21s while playing in Serie A. Now 27, Masina has taken up the invitation to represent his country of birth.
“I’m really excited, I’ve thought about this for a long time,” said the defender.
“I’m really happy now, I’m happy to try to help the team and I can’t wait. We have a target, and we have to try to achieve it, that’s it. In this moment we have to work a lot to achieve our goals.”
The Atlas Lions are five points clear at the top of their African Cup of Nations qualifying group, with two matches remaining: against Mauritania (March 26, 7pm GMT) and Burindi (March 30, 8pm GMT).
“These games are really important, we’ve already achieved qualification, but we have to work on it as always and try to do our maximum as always to win the game,” said Masina, whose new international teammates include Inter Milan's Achraf Hakimi and Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech.
“I know the level will be really high. I’ve already seen the kind of players who are there, and the level is unbelievable. I’m really happy to be a part of this team and I’m really proud to be there. I’ll do my maximum for sure.
“I don’t know them personally, but I know of every single one because they play in high-level football, so of course I know of them. They’re really top players.”
Masina will give his all for Morocco and then it’s back to Watford ahead of another important fixture next weekend, against Sheffield Wednesday at The Vic.
“I have some goals, now I have this opportunity I’m really happy to try to achieve my aim. In this moment I think I’m at a good level. I can’t wait to challenge myself,” said Masina.
“I won’t forget about our situation in this moment though. It’s too important for our club, for our team. I’ll be ready when the national team break is finished, and we have to keep giving great performances.”
