Hakim Ziyech slams "lying" from Morocco boss as he quits international football

Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has called time on his international career in a stunning attack on Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic, accusing him of “lying” about his exclusion from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ziyech was not selected to play for Morocco at AFCON, so watched on from west London as his nation were beaten 2-1 in the quarter-finals by Egypt last month.

The Chelsea winger has scored 17 goals in 40 appearances for Morocco but has been frozen out following a very public falling out with Halilhodzic.

He hasn’t played for Morocco since a friendly against Burkina Faso in June – and it appears that he won’t be returning any time soon.

Halilhodzic has faced questions about Ziyech’s absence, but insisted he wouldn’t select him even if he was Lionel Messi. It seems the feeling is mutual.

"I understand them (the fans), but I will not return to the Moroccan national team and this is my final decision," Ziyech told ADSportsTV.

"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."

HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic right to freeze out Hakim Ziyech? Comment below.

Don't miss a thing with our football updates!

Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?

Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!

From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox – don't miss a thing.

How do you sign up?

It only takes a matter of seconds.

Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'.

And that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top news stories every single morning.

You can find out more information on our email newsletter on this link here.

Veteran manager Halilhodzic, who has been in charge of Morocco since 2019, was scathing in his criticism of Ziyech.

"The players I have selected are the best in the country," he said.

"I don't select a player who can unbalance the group. Not even if his name is Lionel Messi. Ziyech's behaviour does not fit the selection. 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.

"After the [AFCON] tournament three years ago, he was the most criticised. He was booed. You mustn't forget that."

Source: Read Full Article