French defender Camara: Yes, I'm ready to become a Lion

French defender Camara: Yes, I'm ready to become a Lion
Wanted man: Camara (in red) is respected for his discipline.

SINGAPORE - If the chance comes, I will definitely take up Singapore citizenship and play for the Lions.

That was what Home United defender Sirina Camara said on Tuesday, in response to national coach Bernd Stange's comments in Tuesday's edition of The New Paper.

In an exclusive report on Tuesday, TNP reported the German as saying that he would definitely play the Frenchman if he is a Singapore citizen.

Responding to Stange's comments, Camara said through his club: "I am truly surprised and at the same time happy with what he said about me.

"We have not spoken before. In fact, I have never met him in person.

"I have never really thought about (taking up Singapore citizenship and playing for the Lions).

"As a player, I will definitely take up the offer, but I am very close to my family back in France and I have to discuss it with them, especially my mother."

The 22-year-old arrived in Singapore in 2011 with now-defunct French side Etoile, and then signed for the Football Association of Singapore's (FAS) developmental side Courts Young Lions as a foreign player before the start of last season.

He joined two-time S-League champions Home at the start of this season, and has been one of their standout players.

TNP reported in 2011 that he was a possible candidate for the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) to naturalise.

According to Fifa regulations, a player must reside five years in a country and be a citizen there before he can represent it.

Stange praised the 1.78m-tall, 70kg defender for his versatility - Camara can play as a centre back, left back, and on both wings.

The lanky fullback is also known for his explosive pace and his willingness to bomb forward.

Asked about his preferred position on Tuesday, Camara said: "I prefer to play as a left back as I like being a defender and I love coming from the back. Attacking from the blind spot gives me the thrills and I always feel very good after doing it well."

Former Courts Young Lions captain Hafiz Abu Sujad, who played alongside Camara last season, was certain his former club-mate would be an asset for the four-time ASEAN champions.

The LionsXII midfielder said: "Camara is always joking before training, but when the training session starts, he will give his 100 per cent.

"He is a very disciplined and talented player and of course he will benefit the national team."

"They know I can achieve my fitness because they consider me to be a very hardworking person in the team."

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