Hakim Ziyech retires from Morocco national team aged just 28

Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 28. The player announced his decision after a long rivalry with national team head coach Vahid Halilhodzic. 

He was dropped from the national team for the African Cup of Nations, in which Morocco were eliminated by Egypt in the quarter finals. Ziyech has been recognised as one of the best players in the team, but has been constantly dropped by Halilhodzic. And now, it seems like he is done with the national team for good. 

Hakim Ziyech announces retirement from Morocco national team duties 

Here is what the player had to say ahead of Chelsea’s games in the FIFA Club World Cup: 

“Obviously they(the supporters) are (unhappy). I understand them, but I will not return to the national team. I focus on my club now. I understand the supporters’ decision, I’m sorry for them.”

“Yes, this is my final decision. It’s all clear for me, how things are going over there. It’s all clear for me, and I am focussing on what I am doing. It’s the decisions he makes. You have to respect it, but if all the lying comes with it, it’s pretty clear. As I said before, I will not return to the national team.”

Hakim Ziyech was accused by Halilodzic of faking an injury to not play a friendly against Ghana. This proved to be the final straw, and resulted in the head coach doing away with the former Ajax forward.