Roma forward Stephan El Shaarawy says “it’s a wonderful feeling” to represent Italy.
The 23-year-old is in Antonio Conte’s squad for the international break, though he didn’t feature against Spain last night.
Born in Savona to an Egyptian father, Il Faraone explained the importance of representing the country of his birth.
“It’s definitely important,” El Shaarawy told the Azzurri’s official website.
Roma forward Stephan El Shaarawy says “it’s a wonderful feeling” to represent Italy.
The 23-year-old is in Antonio Conte’s squad for the international break, though he didn’t feature against Spain last night.
Born in Savona to an Egyptian father, Il Faraone explained the importance of representing the country of his birth.
“It’s definitely important,” El Shaarawy told the Azzurri’s official website.
“I think it’s the dream of every footballer to wear the Azzurri shirt. It’s definitely a wonderful feeling, the senior national team is the most important objective.
“The most important thing is to have mental quality, to have the hunger to get there and be focused on the job.
“You can have talent but if you don’t have the life of an athlete you won’t get to high levels. The head makes the difference.
“Egypt? When I was younger I visited all of Egypt and I was really impressed, not just with the landscape and the history, but we also went to see my dad’s family.
“I got a lot of affection, so for that reason I’m particularly tied to Egypt.”
El Shaarawy then discussed his future ambitions, which of course include going to Euro 2016.
"My dream with the national team? To play in the European Championships. That dream is closer now.
"That's my main objective. I came to Roma to get back to playing and make a change in my career. To go to the Euros would be an important objective."