FOOTBALL: Hakim Ziyech announces his retirement from Morocco football

Hakim Ziyech, a Chelsea midfielder, has announced his retirement from international football.

His decision was prompted by the Moroccan national team’s unwillingness to invite him to the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Vahid Halilhodi, Morocco’s head coach, had accused the midfielder of fabricating an injury to avoid playing in a friendly match for his country.

Ziyech hasn’t played for Morocco since June and has now ruled himself out for the time being.

“Obviously, I understand them,” Ziyech said on Tuesday, “but I will not return to the national team.”

Chelsea’s midfielder has traveled to Abu Dhabi for their Club World Cup competition.

When questioned if he would change his mind later, the player replied, “Yes, it’s my final decision.”

“It’s all obvious for me,” he continued, “and I’m focusing on what I’m doing right now, which is my club.”

“Of course, who doesn’t?” Ziyech said when asked if he felt bad about the decision.

“But, at the end of the day, it’s his decision, and you have to respect it, but if it comes with all the lies, it’s evident to me.” As I previously stated, I will not be returning to the national team.

“I understand [the bad news for Moroccans], I pity them, and that is the scenario right now.”

Morocco was knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations in the quarterfinals by Egypt, who were then defeated in the final by Senegal on Sunday.

Ziyech has been in excellent form for Chelsea, scoring a stunning goal in the Blues’ last Premier League match before the break against Tottenham Hotspur.

After Chelsea’s Premier League victory against Tottenham, Thomas Tuchel hailed the Moroccan.

Thanks to Ziyech’s fantastic strike and Thiago Silva’s glancing header, Thomas Tuchel’s team upset Tottenham for the third time in as many weeks after defeating them in the two legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

To give the home side the lead, Ziyech curled home a brilliant goal from 20 yards.

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