Hakim Ziyech has turned down Morocco’s approach to rescind his national team retirement decision and feature for the Atlas Lions in the 2022 Fifa World Cup African qualifiers playoffs.
The Chelsea winger announced quitting international football in February after falling out with coach Vahid Halilhodžić.
The Bosnian has consistently claimed Ziyech is lazy and is a distraction to his team.
Ahead of their playoff games against DR Congo, the 28-year-old has revealed the the Moroccan Football Federation President has informed him he will be included in their preliminary list, but he said he will not be turning up for the games.
“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,” he posted on Instagram.
“I’m sorry to disappoint the fans, this was not an easy decision to make, but sadly I feel I have no other choice.”
Hakim Ziyech, who has made 40 appearances for Morocco and scored 17 times, said a lot of misinformation has been peddled about him, hence his decision to quit.
“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.”
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