Chelsea attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech has confirmed that he will not return to Morocco national team following an invitation by coach Vahid Halilhodzic for the World Cup playoffs.
Ziyech announced his retirement from international football in February after his omission from the Moroccan squad that participated in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations which took place in Cameroon.
The 28-year-old footballer cites bad communication and mistreatment as reasons behind his decision.
The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face DR Congo in the World Cup playoffs this month.
“I love my country and playing for the Moroccan national football team has been the honour of my lifetime, so it is with great sadness that I must announce that although the FRMF President today confirmed that I will be pre-selected for the team, I won’t be returning to play for Morocco,” read the statement.
“I’m sorry to disappoint the fans, this was not an easy decision to make, but sadly I feel I have no other choice.
“Despite giving my all to the team over the past 6 years and supporting them my entire life, the leadership continue to release misinformation about me and my commitment to my country. Their actions have made it impossible for me to continue to be part of the team.
“I learned the news about the pre-selection at the same time as everyone else, so I’m releasing this statement to ensure that you hear the truth directly from me.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me, I wish the team nothing but the best for the future.
“My focus as a player is at my club Chelsea FC.”
Meanwhile, defender Noussair Mazraoui has also turned down the national call-up stating the very same reasons as his fellow countryman.
Mazraoui hasn’t played for Morocco since November 2020.
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