Chadi Riad has enjoyed an impressive start to his career at Crystal Palace.
The Morocco international was signed in a £14m deal from Real Betis right at the start of the summer transfer window, and has proceeded to impress in several friendlies throughout pre-season.
Now – however – Chadi Riad has suggested he was left slightly disappointed by a decision Crystal Palace made…
Chadi Riad comments on Olympic Games
The Crystal Palace No.34 has now revealed that he would have liked to play for Morocco at the Olympic Games this summer – but it was decided he should remain with Oliver Glasner and his new teammates.
Riad told Telemundo: “I am very happy. Unfortunately, I can’t be with them because of the club’s issues, but they decided that I should stay here. I’m happy anyway. Little by little, new Marroqui talents are coming out, like Elias Ajumas, Abde, Benseguir, and I’m very happy with how we’re taking Marruecos to the top.”
Morocco ended up reaching the semi-final of the Olympic Games in Paris, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Spain who are now preparing for the final against Jean-Philippe Mateta’s France on Friday.
However, Morocco do have a chance of winning bronze if they beat Egypt in today’s Bronze Medal match.
Understandably, Riad would have enjoyed to be part of a potential medal-winning Morocco squad on a stage as large as the Olympic Games, although we feel Crystal Palace made the right decision.
Crystal Palace were right to deny Olympic Games participation
While some may call it a brutal decision from Crystal Palace, we also feel it was appropriate for Riad to stay.
The man born in Palma is just 21 years of age, playing his football in England for the first time as he adapts to a brand new environment, including teammates and coaching staff.
Therefore, it was imperative for Riad to be integrated as soon as possible during the calmer stages of pre-season, rather than have to think about all of that just before the Premier League season gets underway.
If the Moroccan was a little more established and settled at Crystal Palace with more experience under his belt, he may have been allowed to go to the Olympic Games like Mateta was.
READ MORE: What Jean-Philippe Mateta said back in 2021 is now quite worrying for Crystal Palace fans
However, given the circumstances, we feel Crystal Palace made the right decision.
