Ziyech has decided to retire from the Morocco national team after falling out with manager Vahid Halihodzic.
Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has announced his retirement from the Morocco national team after falling out with manager Vahid Halihodzic.
Ziyech was left out of Morocco’s squad for AFCON 2021 and following their elimination, Halihodzic claimed the 28-year-old would not be welcomed into the team “even if his name was Lionel Messi”.
And the Chelsea man has responded to his former coach, accusing him of “lying”, and insisted he will not return to play for his country.
“I understand them, but I will not return to the Moroccan national team and this is my final decision,” Ziyech said.
“It’s all clear for me how things are going over there and I am focusing on what I am doing and, right now, that is my club.
“At the end of the day, it’s a decision he makes and you have to respect it. All the lying that comes with it, it’s, for me, clear and I will not return to the national team.
“I understand and feel sorry for [the fans], but that’s the situation we’re in.”
Ziyech last played for Morocco last June in a friendly against Burkina Faso following which Halihodzic criticised his behaviour and doubled down on his previous statements last week.
“He doesn’t want to train, doesn’t want to play,” he said of Ziyech. “He doesn’t take it seriously. I’m not going to beg him to come back.
“After the [Afcon] tournament three years ago, he was the most criticised. He was booed. You mustn’t forget that.”
Ziyech has earned 40 caps while scoring 17 goals for Morocco and has featured 25 times for Chelsea this season, scoring six times.
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