Adama Traore at centre of international tug-of-war as Mali AND Spain call up Wolves winger

ADAMA TRAORE will be forced to decide which country he wishes to represent after being called up by Spain and Mali.

The two countries are involved in a tug-of-war ahead of international fixtures next month.

PA:Press Association

Adama Traore has been called up by Spain and Mali[/caption]

Mali want the rapid Wolves winger to star in their friendlies with Ghana on October 9 and Iran four days later.

However Spain boss Luis Enrique has announced Traore in his preliminary squad ahead of their friendly with Portugal and two Nations League clashes with Switzerland and Ukraine.

The 24-year-old was born in Spain but both of his parents come from Mali.

 

Traore was called up to the Spain senior squad for the first time in November but pulled out through injury.

He was then named in Enrique’s squad in August’s clashes but tested positive for coronavirus before the matches.

Traore, who has represented Spain at youth level, will now need to make a decision as to which country he wants to represent.

In January the winger admitted he was flattered to have the option although gave no clues as to who he wanted to play for.

He told BBC Sport: “My mentality is to work for the team and the performance for the team gives me half a chance with two international teams and I am happy for that.

“I am grateful [to have the chance] with the two international teams – Spain where I was born and Mali where my origins are.”