Born in France to Moroccan parents, Aït-Fana is eligible to play for Morocco, and based on his star turns this season for Montpellier (six goals and three assists in 27 matches in all competitions), there is no reason to doubt that he has the quality to make the first team of the North African nation.

But the 21-year-old has decided instead to continue on the path that began in 2004 when he first pulled on a blue jersey in the hope of one day representing France at the senior level.

"I’ve been a part of the national teams since U-16 and I want to follow the process through to the end, even though I’m very pleased to have been contacted by Morocco, who are offering me a valuable option for the future," said Aït-Fana, who has scored one goal in his three appearances for the Espoirs, France’s U-21 side.

And with his dazzling club performances attracting much attention in the footballing world, Aït-Fana has good reason to envisage a strong senior international future. But the versatile attacker isn’t getting ahead of himself.

"Right now I’m 200% focused on Montpellier and the France U-21s, where things are going really well."

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