Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech says he will no longer play for Morocco national team after being frozen out of AFCON 2021 squad by Atlas Lions Vahid Halilhodzic.
Ziyech’s misery with Morocco started in September last year when he was left out by Halilhodzic for the Qatar World Cup qualifiers matchday 1 and 2.
The Bosnian gaffer explained that the former Ajax Amsterdam star “doesn’t not want to train and pretend to be injured even though medical tests show he’s fit to play’.
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After Morocco were knocked out in AFCON 2021 quarter-final, Vahid Halilhodzic confirmed in his post-tournament press conference that he “will not call back Ziyech” as the latter “disrespected all Moroccans” and then “It’s over for him with the national team”.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup semi-final clash against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, Ziyech said he won’t play for Morocco again.
“I understand them [fans who are pledging for him comeback] but I won’t return to the national team”, Ziyech said.
“It’s my final decision and I’m now focused on what I’m doing with my club.”
In addition, it remains unknown whether Ziyech who is 28 now will consider a comeback with the Atlas Lions after Halilhodzic’s departure.