CHELSEA star Hakim Ziyech has sensationally retired from international football after a fall-out with Morocco boss Vahid Halilhodzic.
The 28-year-old hasn't featured for his country since last June and has been part of an ongoing row.
Ziyech was not part of the Morocco squad that made it to this year's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals before being dumped out by Mo Salah's Egypt.
Halilhodzic has declared Ziyech wouldn't be selected for the national team 'even if his name was Lionel Messi'.
In a video posted to Twitter by Foot Mercato journalist Hanif Ben Berkane after the attacker spoke to media ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener, Ziyech said: “Obviously I understand them (the fans), but I will not be returning to the national team.
“It’s my final decision. It’s all clear for me how things are going over there. I’m focusing on what I’m doing, and right now that’s my club.
“At the end of the day, it’s a decision (Halilhodzic) makes and you have to respect it. If all the lying comes with it, it’s for me clear.
“Like I said before, I will not return to the national team. I feel sorry for (the fans), but that’s the situation right now.”
Even if Morocco qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, Ziyech is adamant that he will not change his mind.
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Halilhodzic had accused the Blues ace of feigning injury in order to avoid playing in friendly matches last summer – an accusation Ziyech denied.
The Dutch-born player represented Netherlands at youth level before making his senior debut for Morocco in 2018 after switching allegiances.
He has won 40 caps and scored 17 goals for his country, with his last appearance coming in June 2021 in a 1-0 friendly win over Burkina Faso.
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