Chelsea star, Hakim Ziyech quits Morocco football team after AFCON snub

 

Chelsea star, Hakim Ziyech has retired from international football, following a long-term fall-out with Morocco coach, Vahid Halilhodzic.

Ziyech was left out of the national squad chosen to participate in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON and hasn’t featured for the Atlas Lions since June last year.

The 28-year-old winger decided to call it quit from international football after Halilhodzic suggested he had no intention of selecting the attacker for Morocco‘s World Cup qualification playoff tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo in March.

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Speaking to Abu Dhabi Sports ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener, Ziyech said: “I understand them [the fans], but I will not return to the national team. That is my final decision.

“I am focusing on what I am doing with my club. It was a decision he [Halilhodzic] made and you have to respect it. But then if all the lying comes with it… for me it is clear and I will not return to the national team.”