Hakim Ziyech Explains Retirement Decision from the Moroccan National Team

Chelsea Football Club winger, Hakim Ziyech has opened up about his decision for calling it quit on the Moroccan National team.

READ ALSO: VICTOR OSIMHEN SEALS VICTORY FOR NAPOLI | WATCH

Ziyech made a post on his official Instagram account on Sunday, March 13th, 2022 after Chelsea's victory over Newcastle United. The North African had earlier announced his retirement in an interview during his FIFA World Club Cup engagement with Chelsea in Abu Dhabi.

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. I’m sorry to disappoint the fans, this was not an easy decision to make, but sadly I feel I have no other choice.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."

Ziyech's decision to leave the national team was after he fell out of the pecking order in the books of the national team coach, Halilhodzic.

The coach decided to freeze Ziyech out of the team during the World cup qualifier and the African Cup of Nations which was hosted in Cameroon.

The winger scored 17 goals In 40 games for the Moroccan National team.