Three-time European champion Aaron Cook has said that he has found switching allegiances from Great Britain to Moldova "easy".
The 24-year-old was not selected for the London 2012 Olympics despite being the top-ranked taekwondoka in the -80kg division ahead of the Games, resulting in him ending his affiliation with the British Taekwondo Control Board.
Cook, who is part of Moldova's squad for the European Games in Baku, told reporters: "The national anthem doesn't really mean that much to me anymore. I am fighting for myself when I am there.
"I have found it very easy. It's exactly the same mat, the same arena. It is just that I have different letters on the back of my suit. Moldova have given me all the support I need, so I am extremely grateful for everything they have done.
"I had to move on. Now it is about looking at the future, not worrying about the past. Of course, I was absolutely devastated at the time, but now I am fighting for Moldova, I am extremely happy."
Cook could face Team GB's Lutalo Muhammad, who was selected ahead of him for the Olympics, on Thursday.
Sian Cowper
