Cote d’Ivoire’s Wilfried Zaha: I was rejected from the England side

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Jun 06, 2018. 17:00

Cote d’Ivoire and Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha says he has no regrets in choosing the West Africans instead of England.

Zaha says he was rejected by England, but insists he has no regrets about choosing to play for the Elephants national team.

The 24-year-old played regularly for England’s U21 team and went on to earn caps against Sweden, in November 2012, and Scotland, in August 2013.

However, he eventually committed his international career to the Ivorians having been born in Abidjan.

Although they missed out on a spot at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, the Eagles winger insists he’s happy with his career choice.

"It was just like I was rejected from the England side. I didn't get picked or even get a look in for four years,” Zaha told CNN Sport.

"Four years in football is a long time so it's like there's no regret at all. No one even thought about me at all.

“And Ivory Coast, even though I told them no, they still had the belief in me and still wanted me because they knew what I could do for the team.

"Obviously we may not be in the World Cup but it's just a learning curve. From there, what we need to do is just get better and hopefully try and get into the next one.

"As for me not playing for England, I've got no regret at all. I'm happy with the decision I made."