Former Leicester City, Derby County and Birmingham City defender Curtis Davies has announced he will be joining up with the Sierre Leone squad for two upcoming friendlies.
The centre-back broke through the ranks at Luton Town 20 years ago but it wasn’t until he moved to West Bromwich Albion that Davies earned a call-up to England’s U21s squad and went on to make three appearances for the Young Lions.
Then, in 2008, after Fabio Capello took charge of the England national team, Davies was named in the iconic Italian manager’s provisional squad twice, although he never made his official debut.
Now, 15 years later, at the ripe age of 38, the Cheltenham Town star is set to finally step foot on the international stage, having chosen to play for Sierre Leone ahead of the nation’s upcoming friendlies against Benin and Somalia.
Writing on Twitter/X last night, the defender said:
“Iโm delighted to formally announce that I will be joining the Sierra Leone national team for their upcoming friendlies.
“I thought the opportunity to represent the country of my fatherโs birth had passed but I feel very proud and humbled to have received the call.”
Iโm delighted to formally announce that I will be joining the Sierra Leone national team for their upcoming friendlies.
I thought the opportunity to represent the country of my fatherโs birth had passed but I feel very proud and humbled to have received the call. ๐ธ๐ฑ
— โ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ค ๐ป๐๐ง๐๐๐ค (@TheCurtisDavies) October 9, 2023
Back in 2013, it was reported by The Mirror that the Republic of Ireland were hoping to secure Davies who qualified for a call-up through his grandparents. However, in an interview in 2014, the ex-Hull City man admitted that he would prefer to play for Sierre Leone than Ireland.
“I’d never the shut door on anything but I’m striving my heart to get in the England squad and after that Sierra Leone is my next country,” Davies said [quotes via the Irish Independent].
“It would be difficult, but it would be a bigger option for me. The only thing is the African calendar and them playing African Nations in January.”
Writer’s View
It’s very unusual for a player to receive a call-up for the very first time at 38 but it clearly means a lot to Davies who can finally play for the country of his father.
Playing on the international stage is an incredible achievement, no matter the age. Davies has been forced to wait a long time before receiving his call-up but it will certainly feel sweet for him.