Yannick Bolasie delighted to be playing for DR Congo
Crystal Palace star Yannick Bolasie has spoken to Sky Sports of his delight after linking up with DR Congo.
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey
Last Updated: 27/03/13 3:42pm
Bolasie has committed his international future to the central African nation and has linked up with their squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Libya.
The 23-year-old, who qualified for England and France and has had a scintillating season in the Championship so far, admits he wanted to play for the country where his parents hailed from.
"It's an honour to receive the call-up and gives me the chance to play for the country of my mother and father," Bolasie told Sky Sports.
"I just hope I can now do my best, if given the chance, and try and help us qualify for the World Cup in Brazil.
"Seeing this country as it is really brings me back down to earth, you realise what some people don't have or even get the chance to live like we do back in England."
Bolasie is hoping to make his debut in Kinshasa on Sunday, and he cannot wait to sample the atmosphere.
He said: "I have just finished my first training session, and it was good to get involved ahead of Sunday when they believe around 80,000 will be there.
"There is so much passion here for football from the fans, it seems to be able to bring everyone together.
"If we manage to beat Libya, that will give us a very good chance of qualifying."
Bolasie is experiencing his first taste of international football, and he is delighted with how things are going.
"I have settled in well, and the manager and all the guys have made me feel very welcome, plus I have Youssouf Mulumbu and Gabriel Zakuani here looking after me so it is all shaping up well."
And he insists that the squad looks good, adding: "There are some quality players here to be honest.
"They play in the French and German leagues, and it is a good standard."
