'My Big Dream Is To Play For Denmark' - Bournemouth's Billing Dismisses Nigeria Rumours

Published: May 20, 2020

Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing has dismissed rumours in the Nigerian press that he wants to play for the Super Eagles and has stressed that his international futures lies with the Danish National Team.

Born to a Nigerian father and Danish mother, it is only a matter of time before Billing becomes cap-tied to the Scandinavian country as he has been called-up to their senior team several times and was a non-playing substitute on six occasions.

"I think there are some rumors that come out of nowhere. When I saw it, I thought it might be good just to make a Danish article about it so that people don't start to believe it," Billing told Danish newspaper BT.

"I saw the last time people started to speculate that I didn't mind playing for Denmark and blah, blah, blah.

"It would be strange to play for Nigeria when I feel 100 percent Danish.

"Of course I have Nigerian roots and I'm half Nigerian, but I was raised and born in Denmark.

"I have Danish mother, Danish little brother and Danish little sister and a Nigerian father. But this is Denmark I want to play for. That's my big dream."

Billing revealed that he made it crystal clear that he wanted to continue representing Denmark when he was approached by Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr to switch his allegiance to the Super Eagles.

"I've talked to the coach, but I know where I want to play. I want to play for Denmark, so it is no longer than that.

"He just said he really wanted me to play for Nigeria, because the upcoming World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations will be played soon.

"I made it pretty clear to him that I wanted to play for Denmark. That's my big dream," Billing added.

The former Denmark U21 star has held positive talks with new Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand and he's looking forward to making his senior debut for his country of birth.

"I've talked to Kasper Hjulmand over the phone. Not about anything specific, but we just had a great conversation to get to know each other a little.

"From what I hear, it's something I look forward to very much. Playing with the national team and hopefully in the future a few minutes and make my debut. "

Billing has stressed that he won't address questions about pledging his allegiance to Nigeria in the future.

"Hopefully this is the last time I have to answer whether I choose Nigeria. I can say that I am 100 percent in Denmark. I only think these are rumors and that's to get people talking. But there is nothing at all," Billing concluded.

Former Huddersfield youth-teamer Billing has made 70 appearances in the English Premier League since his debut in August 2017.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : afcb.co.uk

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