Hakim Ziyech blacklisted from Morocco’s squad and Chelsea star couldn’t even return if he was Lionel Messi, says manager
MOROCCO boss Vahid Halilhodzic has declared Hakim Ziyech wouldn't be selected for the national team 'even if his name was Lionel Messi'.
The Chelsea wide-man hasn't featured for his country since last June and has been part of an ongoing row with Halilhodzic.
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.
And the 28-year-old won't be called up again by Halilhodzic any time soon because his 'behaviour' doesn't merit it.
His record at international level (16 goals in 35 games) led to questions from reporters after the defeat to Egypt as to why he wasn't playing at Afcon.
But Halilhodzic hit back: "The players I have selected are the best in the country.
"I don't select a player who can unbalance the group. Not even if his name is Lionel Messi.
"Ziyech's behaviour does not fit the selection. He doesn't want to train, doesn't want to play. He doesn't take it seriously. I'm not going to beg him to come back.
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"After the [Afcon] tournament three years ago, he was the most criticised. He was booed. You mustn't forget that."
Halilhodzic's latest comments continue the long-running public bust-up between the pair.
In the summer, Halilhodzic, 69, alleged Ziyech had reported late for previous international duty, refused to play and set a bad example for younger players.
And in response Ziyech hit out on Instagram, writing, "Next time when you speak, SPEAK THE TRUTH THEN...!!!", accompanied by a clown emoji.
Ziyech's attitude at club level has come into question in recent weeks too.
The winger didn't even crack a smile after netting against Brighton last month, and was involved with an on-pitch row with Romelu Lukaku in the same game.
There were even reports that Chelsea were considering letting Ziyech leave in January, but two goals in his last two games have seemingly quashed those rumours.
The curling long-range effort against bitter rivals Tottenham in particular went some way to endearing himself to the Blues faithful after being subject to criticism for his performances earlier in the season.
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