Morocco
Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech, 28, is in dispute with coach Vahid Halilhodzic and has announced he will no longer play for the national team, according to Abu Dhabi Sports report on Tuesday.
"I will not return to the national team. It's my final decision. It's pretty clear to me, I'm concentrating on my club," the Chelsea attacking midfielder told the sports channel on the eve of the World Club Championship semi-final between the Blues and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal in Abu Dhabi.
The Moroccan star, who is at odds with the Atlas Lions' coach, was not called up for the African Cup of Nations (CAN), which ended on Sunday with Senegal's victory over Egypt.
The statement comes days after the press conference of the Moroccan coach who justified the non-convocation of the attacking midfielder to the CAN by his lack of discipline.
"I can't call up a player who can explode the group, even if his name is Lionel Messi," explained Vahid Halilhodzic last Thursday during a press conference after the Moroccans were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the CAN.
I'm not the first person to do this," he said. I am not the first to do that," the Franco-Bosnian coach argued.
00:55
Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement from Portugal
00:57
Jesús Owono speaks of “immense pain” after Jesús de Miguel’s death
00:52
Tenerife footballer Jesús De Miguel dies aged 30 after match collision
00:57
Africa Cup of Nations to maintain 2-year cycle after CAF U-turn
01:02
Harry Kane become first English footballer to win Ballon d'Or in 25 years
01:45
Turkish football fans elated about Mohamed Salah's transfer to Trabzonspor