Eli Junior Kroupi has made it clear that he wants to represent France rather than Ivory Coast at senior international level, despite his family links to the West African country.

The 20-year-old Bournemouth forward, whose club reportedly valued him at €116m during the last transfer window, revealed his preference in an interview with DAZN.

Kroupi scored 13 goals in 35 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth last season. He has been injured since the start of the new campaign but is now approaching a return to action.

“I have always played for France in the youth teams. I was born in France and started playing football in France,” he said.

“I cannot see myself going to a culture I do not know. France is the objective.”

Asked whether he might receive a first senior call-up, Kroupi replied jokingly: “I have absolutely no idea!”

The tone of that response may surprise some in Ivory Coast, but Kroupi’s preference is consistent with his background. Born and developed in France, he has represented the country throughout his international career at youth level.

His progress has also placed him alongside Yan Diomande and Ayyoub Bouaddi in the race for the 2026 Golden Boy award.

Kroupi’s father, Eli Kroupi, was born in Sassandra, in Ivory Coast’s Gbokle region. He moved to France at a young age and spent his entire professional career there as a former Lorient forward.

The elder Kroupi made only two appearances for Ivory Coast between 2001 and 2005. His son’s attacking ability would nevertheless have represented a significant boost for the Ivorian national team.

For now, Kroupi’s stated aim is to persuade Zinedine Zidane to open the door to France’s senior side.

His decision is both sporting and personal, although it is not yet necessarily final. Under international eligibility rules, his future would not be permanently settled until he had played an official competitive match for France’s senior team.