My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria, Luca Zidane says

Dec 25 : ‌Luca Zidane, son of French World Cup-winner Zinedine, said his grandfather had supported him in switching international allegiance to Algeria, after playing for France at junior level.

Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest French footballers, inspiring his country to their first World Cup victory in 1998 and scoring two goals in the 3-0 win over Brazil in the final in Paris. The midfielder also guided them to the Euro 2000 trophy, achieving an unprecedented double for Les Bleus.

The decision to switch nationalities by ‌Luca, who chose to avoid comparisons with his father from an early age ‌by opting 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 keeper, and his father watched him play against Sudan in Vladimir Petković's side's opening Africa Cup of Nations Group E match on Wednesday, which they won 3-0.

Zidane was not tested much during the match, but he did make an important save from a dangerous chance that fell to Yaser Awad with the score ‍at 1-0.

"When I think of Algeria, I remember my grandfather. Since childhood, we’ve had this Algerian culture in the family," Zidane told BeIN Sports France.

"I spoke to him before playing for the national team, and he was extremely happy about this step. Every time I receive an international call-up, he calls me and says that I made a great decision and ​that he is proud of me."

FATHER SUPPORTED ‌DECISION TO SWITCH

He said his father had also backed his decision.

"He supported me," Luca said. "He said to 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 federation president reached