“He wants to reflect on the rest of his international career”
Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha is considering his international future with Ivory Coast at just 28-years-old.
The former Manchester United man suffers with homesickness while on international duty, and manager Patrice Beaumelle has stated that it has led to him “reflecting” on whether to continue representing Les Elephants.
Following his switch of allegiances from England, after making just two appearances for the Three Lions – both of which came in friendlies – Zaha made his Ivory Coast debut in January 2017.
Beaumelle has revealed that the winger rejected his latest call-up to the national team, admitting that Zaha might have played his last match for Ivory Coast.
“He [Zaha] asked not to come because he becomes homesick at each meeting,” said Beaumelle. “He wants to reflect on the rest of his international career.”
Ivory Coast manager Patrice Beaumelle has said Wilfried Zaha will not been called up this month and is considering his international future. "He asked not to come because he comes home sick at each meeting. He wants to reflect on the rest of his international career." #cpfc
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) November 4, 2021
The announcement means that Zaha will take no part in their World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Cameroon in November, also putting his participation in the tournament proper in Qatar next year in doubt, should they qualify.
As well as this, the Palace man will miss the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, should he decide to call time on his international career.
News that he is considering his international future evidently comes as a major blow to the west-African country.
Zaha was born to Ivorian parents in the city of Abidjan, but he was also eligible to represent England after his family moved to London when he was aged four.
He played a significant role in Ivory Coast reaching the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring five goals in 20 matches at international level.
Related links:
- Wilfried Zaha told by Instagram to report racists himself in order to see action
- Wilfried Zaha explains decision to stand tall rather than take the knee
- Wilfried Zaha reveals why he almost came to blows with Ravel Morrison on international duty
