Chelsea star announces retirement from international football

The latest report has revealed that Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech has announced his retirement from international football.

This comes after Ziyech didn’t get an international invite from his home country Morocco to play in the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Moroccan head coach, Vahid Halilhodžić, in a statement, had said the Blues midfielder faked an injury to get out of playing in a friendly game for his country.

Since June last year, Ziyech has not played for Morocco, and his latest decision means he is no longer available to play for the North African country.

“Obviously, I understand them but I will not return to the national team,” Ziyech told Abu Dhabi Sports on Tuesday.

“Yes, it’s my final decision,” the player added when asked if he would change his mind along the line.

“It’s all clear for me and I’m focusing on what I’m doing and right now that’s my club,” he said.

Asked if he felt bad after the decision, Ziyech said: “Of course, who doesn’t?

“But at the end of the day it’s the decision he makes and you have to respect it but if all the lying comes with it, it’s for me clear. Like I said before, I will not return to the national team.

“I understand [it’s bad news for Moroccan people], I feel sorry for them, that’s the situation right now.”