Hakim Ziyech turns down Morocco again, says he will not return
Hakim Ziyech has turned down the opportunity to represent Morocco again despite the country’s federation president Fouzi Lekjaa announcing that the winger will be called up for the World Cup qualifiers.
Ziyech who was snubbed for the AFCON and announced his retirement made the announcement in a statement on Instagram in response to the comment by the Moroccan Football Federation that the winger will be selected for the upcoming World Cup qualifying playoffs later this month
“I love my country and playing for the Moroccan national football team has been the honour of my lifetime, so it is with great sadness that I must announce that although the FRMF President today confirmed that I will be pre-selected for the team, I won’t be returning to play for Morocco.
“I’m sorry to disappoint the fans, this was not an easy decision to make, but sadly I feel I have no other choice.”
He went on the reveal his commitment to the national team and how he has always supported the team but has always been let down by the leadership of the team.
“Despite giving my all to the team over the past 6 years and supporting them my entire life, the leadership continue to release misinformation about me and my commitment to my country. Their actions have made it impossible for me to continue to be part of the team.
“I learned the news about the pre-selection at the same time as everyone else, so I’m releasing this statement to ensure that you hear the truth directly from me.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me, I wish the team nothing but the best for the future.
“My focus as a player is at my club Chelsea FC.”
Ziyech had a feud with his national team coach Vahid Halihodzic which resulted in his exclusion from the national team in September and later the African Cup of Nations.
The coach said Ziyech “…arrived late and after that, he even refused to work. There was no point in discussing it afterwards, as a coach the answer is right there to see.
“He doesn’t want to train, doesn’t want to play. He doesn’t take it seriously. I’m not going to beg him to come back.”
