Hakim Ziyech has announced his shock retirement from international football aged just 28-years-old. It comes weeks after his Africa Cup of Nations no-show.
Omitted from the Morocco squad due to a dispute with manager Vahid Halilhodzic, who claimed Ziyech “refused” to play.
Speaking in June (as per the Athletic), Halilhodzic criticised the player’s attitude:
“His behaviour in the last two matches, especially the last one, was not that of a national team player who is a leader in the team.”
Fast forward eight months and Ziyech has finally opened up about the situation.
Commenting ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, the 28-year-old said:
“I will not return to the national team… that is my final decision. It is clear what is going on over there, and right now I am focusing on my club.”
When quizzed on if he feels bad about the decision, Ziyech was open and honest with his response:
“Of course, who doesn’t? But like I said before, I will not return to the national team.”
Read: Hakim Ziyech explains Moroccan national team omission
Hakim Ziyech retirement big loss for Morocco
Knocked out in the AFCON quarter-finals to eventual runners-up Egypt, Morocco did miss their talisman in Cameroon.
Morocco registered only four shots on target against Egypt, before losing in extra time. Born in the Netherlands, Ziyech represented the Dutch national team at under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels.
Switching allegiances in September 2015, Ziyech established himself as a mainstay in the Atlas Lions’ attack.
Whilst Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi captains the side, Ziyech was Morocco’s standout attacking talent.
Racking up 40 appearances for Morocco, the winger netted 17 goals during that time.
As one of the brightest talents in African football, this news will disappoint Moroccan fans, not least because another AFCON tournament is just around the corner.
Set to kick off in June 2023, Morocco will likely travel to the Ivory Coast without their star man.
The decision comes just as Ziyech is beginning to find some form for Chelsea.
Arriving from Ajax ahead of the 2020/21 season, the winger had struggled to adapt to the Premier League.
Just two goals in 23 Premier League appearances didn’t represent good value for the £34 million fee paid by the Blues.
Things have improved since then though. Ziyech has netted in back-to-back Premier League appearances for the first time this season.
A goalscorer in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last month, Ziyech backed that up with a wonder strike against Tottenham Hotspur.
With bags of talent at his disposal, Chelsea supporters will be keen to see Ziyech kick on for the Blues.
But should Halihodzic leave his post as Morocco boss, the door could open for a Ziyech return to the national side.
