My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria: Luca Zidane

Luca Zidane, son of French World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, said his grandfather had supported him in switching international allegiance to Algeria after playing for France at youth level.
Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest French footballers ever, inspiring his country to its first World Cup victory in 1998 and scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Brazil in the final in Paris. The midfielder also led them to the Euro 2000 trophy, achieving an unprecedented double for Les Bleus.
The decision to change nationality by Luca, who chose to avoid comparisons with his father from an early age by choosing to play as a goalkeeper, came as a surprise, especially since he made it at the age of 27.
He quickly became Algeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and his father watched him play against Sudan in Vladimir Petkovic’s side’s Africa Cup of Nations Group E opener on Wednesday, which they won 3-0.
Zidane wasn’t tested much during the game, but he made an important save from a dangerous chance that fell to Yasser Awad with the score at 1-0.
“When I think of Algeria, I remember my grandfather. From childhood, we had this Algerian culture in the family,” Zidane told BeIN Sports France.
“I spoke to him before I played for the national team and he was very happy about this step. Every time I get an international call-up, he calls me and tells me that I made a great decision and that he is proud of me.”

The father supported the decision
He said his father had also supported his decision.
“He supported me,” said Luca. “He told me ‘Be careful, this is your choice. I can give you advice, but in the end, the final decision will be yours.’
“From the moment the coach and the president of the federation got in touch with me, it was clear that I wanted to go and represent my country. After that, of course I spoke to my family and they were all happy for me.”
Zinedine Zidane, who was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final in Germany, which they lost to Italy on penalties, won the Champions League in 2002 with Real Madrid and claimed the Ballon d’Or in 1998.
His son, who plays in Spain for Granada after starting his career at Real Madrid, has always worn a shirt with the name Luca, but has decided that his national team shirt will bear the name Zidane.
“So for me, being able to honor my grandfather by making the national team is very important,” he said. “The next jersey with the name will be for him.”