French coach Troussier and wife convert to Islam

French soccer coach Philippe Troussier, seen here in 2002, and his wife Dominique have reportedly converted to Islam in the Moroccan capital where they live

Frenchman Philippe Troussier and his wife Dominique have converted to Islam in the Moroccan capital where they live, sources close to the couple confirmed.

The widely-travelled Troussier, 51, is former coach of the Moroccan national team and French club Marseille. He also had spells in charge of South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Qatar and Japan, whom he guided to the second round of the 2002 World Cup.

"Troussier is no longer Philippe, he has taken the name Omar and his wife is no longer Dominique but Amina," the French-Moroccan daily L'Opinion reported Thursday.

A source close to the couple confirmed the conversion to AFP, adding that the ceremony took place last Friday.

"Welcome Omar and Amina to the Kingdom of the All Powerful, the Kingdom of the Truth," L'Opinion wrote, hailing the conversion as "a magnificent and wonderful surprise".

"As Muslims we are happy to see such a strong and well recognised personality as Philippe Troussier become part of this religion of peace and tolerance."

The newspaper added that when contacted Troussier said he "did not want to elaborate too much on the subject."

"I want to keep my feelings for myself," Troussier was quoted as saying, adding: "as you see things evolve ..."

Meanwhile, the Moroccan Evening newspaper reported that the couple have adopted two local girls Selma and Mariam.