Wilfred Zaha in action for Crystal Palace
Wilfred Zaha, a Crystal Palace player, was born in Ivory Coast but grew up in England and has since played for England twice on a friendly game but has now made a U-turn to play for the African nation of his birth.
According to report, Zaha has alraedy sent a letter to FIFA requesting a switch of nationality to play for Ivory Coast national team but the request has not been replied by the football governing body.
Zaha, is currently 24, and would be eligible to feature in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations because the caps he won playing for England was friendly games.
Zaha, is currently 24, and would be eligible to feature in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations because the caps he won playing for England was friendly games.
The African Nations Cup is set to kick off on the 14th of January 2016 and Zaha could be fixture if his request that was sent on Sunday is granted on time by FIFA.
"There aren't many other English players who can beat players like he does in the Premier League. Some do, but they're not English".
Augustine Sidy Diallo, Ivory Coast football
president, Zaha and coach of Ivory Coast Michle
Ivorian Football Federation said in a statement that Zaha had sent a letter to FIFA on Sunday requesting a nationality change.
Zaha and manager Alan Pardew
Reacting to the decision of the winger, Alan Pardew, Crystal Palace boss said that Zaha had been "pushed forward, probably by his agent or people around him" to make the change but could "understand his frustration" at not being picked for England."There aren't many other English players who can beat players like he does in the Premier League. Some do, but they're not English".
Zaha on England shirt
Wilfred Zaha has played for England national team and the Under-21 level as well but now seeking to play for his mother land Ivory Coast.
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