Hakim Ziyech has Retired from International football following his afcon snub

Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has announced his decision to reitre from international foootball, following a long-term falling out with Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

• The 28-year-old was left out of the national squad chosen to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations last month, and hasn’t featured for the Atlas Lions since June last year.

With Halilhodzic suggesting he had no intention of selecting the attacker for the World Cup qualification playoff tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo in March, Ziyech has decided to close that chapter of his career.

Hakim Ziyech has retired from international duty following a fall out with Morocco’s coach.

Speaking to Abu Dhabi Sports ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener, Ziyech said: ‘I understand them [the fans], but I will not return to the national team. That is my final decision.

‘I am focussing on what I am doing with my club. It was a decision he [Halilhodzic] made and you have to respect it. But then if all the lying comes with it… for me it is clear and I will not return to the national team.

‘I feel sorry for (the fans), but that’s the situation right now.’

The Chelsea forward has been in a war of words with Halilhodzic since last year, when he accused Ziyech of faking injuries to avoid national duty.