Zaha says he never reconsidered the future of Côte d’Ivoire after the coach’s comments

Wilfried Zaha has responded to reports that the Ivory Coast winger is looking into the international future, saying he is not in the team after receiving a viral infection.

Ivory Coast coach Patrice Beaumelle did not choose Zaha for the next World Cup qualifiers, saying the 28-year-old Crystal Palace player was left out and wanted to “reflect on his international career”.

However, Zaha said that was not the case and that replacing his country was something he would “never, never take for granted”.

“Despite a lot of news from the press, I have never said that I am rethinking the future of my international playing,” Zaha wrote on Instagram.

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“In the last few international matches, I got a viral infection while I was traveling and I was sick when I came back, unable to train and forced to miss the game against Crystal Palace Arsenal.

“Since I don’t feel completely healed, I talked to the coach and asked him for permission to miss the next two games.

“Of course, I will be available and present if I select for future matches and wish the team success and qualification for the World Cup in the next two games.”

Palace chief Patrick Vieira also said he was surprised by the comments.

“He made it clear to me, by talking to him, how much he loves to play for the Ivory Coast national team, how proud he will be to be with the Ivory Coast at the World Cup,” Vieira told reporters.

“All I know is that he still wants to go international … I’ll help him.”

Côte d’Ivoire will also take part in the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts in January.