Nottingham Forest striker Britt Assombalonga reiterates ambition to represent DR Congo

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The 24-year-old Forest man linked up with DR Congo before the African Cup of Nations, but is yet to make an appearance for them.

Nottingham Forests Britt Assombalonga celebrates scoring his sides third goal

Nottingham Forest star striker Britt Assombalonga has repeated his desire to represent DR Congo in international fixtures and follow in his father’s footsteps, as reports BBC Sport.

The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in Forest’s last gasp survival in the Championship, with 14 goals in 32 appearances – working out at a goal every 130 minutes, as reports BBC Sport – despite spending portions of the season recovering from injury setbacks.

However, Assombalonga turned down the chance to go to the African Cup of Nations with DR Congo as he wanted to stay with Forest and assist in their crucial relegation battle, a decision that was ultimately justified with the Reds surviving on the final day of the season.

Despite turning down his country of choice, with Assonbalonga also eligible to play for England, the 24-year-old desperately wants to play for DR Congo just like his father Fedor Assombalonga did in the past, and is proud to pledge his international allegiance to the African nation.

Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga scores their first goal

“I was born in Congo so that’s where I want to play,” Assombalonga stated, as reports BBC Sport. “My dad played there so it’s not really difficult. People might say its the easy way but that’s where I was born, that’s where my family is from.”

“I am African and I want to show people that they can pick to go and play for a team in Africa and that’s what I have done, that’s what I have chosen.

“It’s good for me because I am proud to say I am African, I am proud to say I am from Congo and that’s the team I would like to play for.”

Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga scores their first goal

With the Championship season now finished barring the play-offs, hopes are high that if Assombalonga can remain injury free, he can have a devastating year for Forest – assuming he has a good pre-season under his belt beforehand.

Assombalonga will also be hoping that Forest’s fortunes improve next season, with the Reds finishing their campaign in 21st place – surviving on goal difference alone as 22nd place Blackburn Rovers went down with the same points total.