Zaha issues passionate response to claims he shunned Ivory Coast selection

Wilfried Zaha has dismissed claims he has turned down a call-up to the Ivory Coast national team because he is homesick.

The 28-year-old has played three times for the Elephants this year and insists he remains committed to his country despite comments from his international boss

Zaha switched allegiance from England to the African nation back in 2016 and made his debut for them a year later.

However the Crystal Palace winger will not play in the forthcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Cameroon but is adamant he will be available going forward.

He said: "Despite numerous press reports I have never said at any time that I am reconsidering my international playing future.

"To pull on the Ivory Coast shirt and represent my country is an honour that I never ever take for granted.

The winger has hit back at claims he didn't want to be selected due to homesickness

"During the last international fixtures I picked up a viral infection while travelling and was ill when I returned, unable to train and was forced to miss Crystal Palace's game against Arsenal.

"As I don't feel fully recovered I spoke to the manager, and asked his permission to miss the next 2 games.

"I will of course be available and present if I am selected for future games and wish the team every success in the next two matches and qualification for the World Cup."

Ivory Coast boss Patrice Beaumelle revealed that Zaha's absence was a personal choice but is clearly not on the same wavelength as the Palace star.

"He asked not to come because he comes home sick after each meeting," he told reporters, prior to Zaha's response.

"He wants to reflect on the rest of his international career. I want soldiers, warriors who even with one knee on the ground will come to the selection.

"It is a message that I send loud and clear to each player."

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Zaha has played 21 times for the Ivory Coast to date, scoring on five occasions. His last appearance came in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Malawi on October 11.

At club level the 28-year-old remains an integral figure and scored in their recent win over Manchester City at the Etihad.

His manager Patrick Vieira has said on Zaha's international situation: "Wilfried still wants and still hopes to go to international.

"He made it clear to myself, talking to him, about how much he loves playing for the Ivory Coast national team, how proud it will be for him to be the World Cup with Ivory Coast."