Guardian staff 

Adnan Januzaj’s father angry with Belgium coach over international plans

Marc Wilmots' comments have provoked a furious response from the father of the Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj
  
  

Adnan Januzaj on the ball for Manchester United v Sunderland
Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj on the ball against Sunderland. He scored twice in United's 2-1 away win. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

The father of Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj has reacted angrily to comments made by the Belgium coach, Marc Wilmots, in the continuing clamour for the talented teenager's international allegiance.

The Belgian-born 18-year-old has made a formidable impression for David Moyes's side and there has been speculation that he could represent England in 2018 on residency grounds. Belgium believe they have the strongest case and Wilmots reacted to questions from broadcaster RTBF about Januzaj's desire to play for his side, newly qualified for next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.

"It is impossible to negotiate with me," he said. "The boy was born in Belgium, should he say that he wants to play for Belgium – from there, there is no haggling. I'm not going to play that game.

"The kid is available? He wants to play? Then perfect, OK, show me.

"If you're at the top level in Manchester or elsewhere, show me your skills and if I need you I will call. I make no promises, to Januzaj or any person."

However, Abedin Januzaj took exception to Wilmots' stance, and says such an antagonistic attitude would only make his son hostile to an approach from his country of birth.

"This is shameless," he said. "We never reacted on selections, phone calls or letters from the Belgian FA.

"They are requesting his selection, not us. Wilmots' remarks won't make it easier now. We are angry about these comments."

 

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