Crystal Palace winger, Wilfried Zaha has insisted that he has not abandoned his national team, Ivory Coast, despite viral reports that he has decided not to represent his country again.
The head coach of Ivory Coast, Patrice Beaumelle was the first to spark the speculation that Wilfried Zaha has bowed out of the team.
When the head coach left out Wilfried Zaha from the team’s squad for the November international break, reporters questioned why the 28-year-old winger was left out of the squad.
While explaining why Zaha was left out of the squad, the head coach revealed that the winger asked to be exempted from the break.
The coach also went on to reveal that Zaha decided to take a break from the national team to reflect on his international career.
Other Reports claimed that the Crystal Palace talisman decided to dump the country because whenever he travels to the country, he always returns with an infection.
In reaction to the reports, Wilfried Zaha argued that he never said he was leaving the national team.
He noted that he only asked for the head coach’s permission to be exempted for this November international break because he is currently battling an infection.
The football star said he would be available for selection after the November international break and wished his team all the best in the World Cup qualification series.
“Despite numerous press reports, I have never said at any time that I am reconsidering my international playing future”, Wilfried Zaha said in a statement.
“To pull on the Ivory Coast shirt and represent my country is an honor that I never, ever take for granted.
“During the last international fixtures, I picked up a viral infection while traveling and was ill when I returned, unable to train and was forced to miss Crystal Palace’s game against Arsenal.
“As I don’t feel fully recovered, I spoke to the manager and asked his permission to miss the next two games.
“I will of course be available and present if I am selected for future games and wish the team every success in the next two matches and qualification for the World Cup.”
Wilfried Zaha had the chance to play for England’s national team but could not wait long enough for England’s call-up.
Hence, he had to switch his allegiance to Ivory Coast, his country of birth in 2017. Since then, he has made 20 appearances and has scored five goals for the country.
The football star is expected to represent Ivory Coast in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations between January and February 2022.
🔴🔵🦅Wilfried Zaha and Conor Gallagher inspired Crystal Palace to a notable 2-0 victory at the Etihad on Saturday.
— #UEFA Champions League (@alimo_philip) October 31, 2021
⏪A rewind of when Wilfried Zaha picked out the far corner after Conor Gallagher played him through for the first goal.#MCICRY|#CPFCpic.twitter.com/ziuHQV1FyK
