Mehdi Benatia quits playing for Morocco until his situation at Juventus improves after lack of game time
Defender says he can no longer captain the national side whilst he is fighting for his place with the Old Lady
MEDHI BENATIA has temporarily called time on his international career with Morocco as he wants to nail down his position with Juventus.
The 29-year-old does not feel as though he can fulfil his role as the nation's captain after struggling to nail down a permanent postion in Juve's starting XI.
Despite featuring in just 14 times of the Serie A Champions' 39 games this season, the defender has featured in Juve's last three matches.
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The star, who is currently on loan from Bayern Munich, took to his to release a statement - explaining his decision in detail.
Part of his statement read: "You know the attachment I have for my country, so it was with great emotion that I decided to give up the next national team gathering until my situation in the club evolves.
"It is a difficult decision for me but one that is well thought out.
"You have to go to the obvious, I am not a holder in my club. It is therefore complicated to be as competitive as I would like in selection.
"Despite my short playing time, they continued to trust me by selecting me.
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"Today I find it unfair to play in the selection by being short of competition and taking the place of another player more apt."
The former Marseille and Roma man has wished his younger international teammates the best of luck in his absence.
He added: "It has always been and will always be an honour to represent my country.
"Good luck to the young talents that arrive and good continuation to the elders: you will miss me, you know well that I consider you as brothers!"
With his lack of game time with the Old Lady influencing his international career, Benatia may look elsewhere in the summer, as he seeks frequent first-team football.
This puts Kingsley Coman's future in doubt, as the winger is currently on loan from Juve to Bayern Munich.
Despite but despite Benatia's frustration at the Juventus Stadium, Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said he WILL activate the £18m buy-out option.
