Latvia defender Denniss Cirkins has reflected on his first international camp and explained why he chose to represent the country at senior level.
The 24-year-old was born in Dublin to parents from Daugavpils and moved to England as a child. He later represented England at youth level but had not played for a senior national team. Cirkins joined Latvia’s camp in March while his switch of sporting nationality was still being completed.
After meeting the squad, he made his final decision to play for Latvia internationally. He returned for the September camp as a fully eligible candidate.
“My experience in March was very good,” Cirkins said. “It was my first time here and I settled into the team quickly. That was very important to me. I left the camp with a very good feeling and eventually decided to follow my heart. It was an important decision, and now I am here.”
Cirkins said receiving a national-team call-up brought different emotions from joining a new club.
“It is very different from joining a new club. You do not feel as nervous because being chosen and called up by your country is a great honour. It is also very exciting,” he said.
Latvia begin their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign away to Armenia on 25 September, before hosting Cyprus at Skonto Stadium on 28 September and Montenegro on 2 October. The campaign concludes with another away match against Cyprus on 5 October. Cirkins will be available only for the first two matches.
