Hakim Ziyech has decided to put an end to all the drama with the Morocco national football team, by announcing his retirement from international duty.
The 28-year-old had represented the country of his ancestry rather than his birth 40 times since choosing them over the Netherlands in 2015.
His decision followed the refusal of the Moroccan national team to invite him for the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Morocco head coach, Vahid Halilhodžić, had accused the midfielder of faking an injury to get out of playing in a friendly game for his country.
Ziyech has not played for Morocco since June and has now made himself unavailable for the future.
The midfielder has travelled with Chelsea for their Club World Cup competition in Abu Dhabi.
“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.
Obviously, I understand them but I will not return to the national team,” Ziyech told Abu Dhabi Sports on Tuesday.
Ziyech is in fine form for the Blues and scored a stunner in Chelsea’s last Premier League game against Tottenham before the break
Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel, had praised the Moroccan after the Premier League win over Tottenham.
