Hakim Ziyech: Chelsea winger rejects latest Morocco call-up
Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has rejected the chance to play for Morocco in their 2022 World Cup play-off against DR Congo later this month.
The 28-year-old, who has not played for the Atlas Lions since June 2021, announced his decision to quit international football last month after a falling-out with Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic.
But Morocco football federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa revealed to local media that Ziyech and Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui, another player involved in a dispute with Halilhodzic, were both included in Morocco’s preliminary squad for the two-legged tie.
However, Ziyech explained why he will not be returning to play for his country again amid continued “misinformation” about his commitment to the North Africans.
“I love my country and playing for the national team has been the honour of my lifetime, so it is with great sadness that I must announce that although the FRMF president confirmed that I will be pre-selected for the team I won’t be returning to play for Morocco,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I’m sorry to disappoint the fans, this was not an easy decision to make, but sadly I feel I have no other choice.”
Long-term absentee Mazraoui, who last played for Morocco in November 2020, also announced on social media that he will not be honouring his call-up for the two games.
“For a year and a half I have not been called up to the national team, without reason or explanation,” he said.
“So it is with a broken heart that I have decided not to play for the national team during the next selection. I wish the best to the whole team and I hope to see you again in the future.”
source: bbc
