Zaha hits back at speculation over Ivory Coast future

After pulling out of international duty, Wilfried Zaha’s future with the Ivory Coast national team came under question from his own manager.

Wilfried Zaha has denied claims he is considering whether to quit playing international football for Ivory Coast.

The Crystal Palace winger is out of the Elephants squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique on November 13 and Cameroon three days later on November 16.

Explaining Zaha’s absence earlier this week, Ivory Coast manager Patrice Beaumelle said: “He asked not to come. He wants to reflect on the rest of his international career.”

🚨 BREAKING 🚨

Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha is considering his international future according to Ivory Coast Head Coach Patrice Beaumelle after he was left out of their latest squad pic.twitter.com/yNn5ecTGIF

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 4, 2021

In an Instagram post on Friday evening, however, Zaha revealed the real cause for his absence is down to illness.

“Despite numerous press reports, I have never said at any time that I am reconsidering my international playing future,” the 28-year-old posted.

“To pull on the Ivory Coast shirt and represent my country is an honour that I never ever take for granted.

“During the last international fixtures, I picked up a viral infection while travelling 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.”

Palace boss Patrick Vieira has also said that Zaha wishes to continue playing international football

The former Manchester United man has won 17 caps for Ivory Coast since his debut in January 2017, scoring four goals and supplying five assists.