Marcus Edwards has committed to representing Cyprus at international level and could be available for the national team’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) announced.
The development came shortly after Cyprus coach Apostolos Mantzios told Goal News that discussions with the 27-year-old English-Cypriot attacking midfielder were continuing and that the door remained open.
“We are in contact. He has not yet replied on whether he will come or not. It requires careful handling because he is a good footballer. The door is open, he has not closed it, but we are waiting for him to decide what he wants to do,” Mantzios said.
The coach had effectively confirmed that Edwards was considering representing his mother’s country before the CFA announced that the player had given a positive response.
“The CFA was informed today by Marcus Edwards that he wishes to play for the Cyprus senior national team,” the association said.
The CFA said Edwards has already obtained a Cypriot passport and that procedures have begun to make him available for the upcoming Nations League matches.
Edwards currently plays for Burnley in the Championship and was among the club’s leading performers in the Premier League last season.
A product of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, he represented England at youth level up to the under-20 team.
He later played in Portugal for Vitória Guimarães and Sporting Lisbon, where he also featured in the Champions League.
The CFA said in its announcement:
“Marcus Edwards will play for our national team! The 27-year-old English-Cypriot attacking midfielder, who played for all of England’s youth national teams up to under-20 level, informed the CFA today that he wishes to play for the Cyprus senior national team. He has already obtained his Cypriot passport and procedures have begun for him to be available for the upcoming Nations League matches.”
