Zaha has no plans to quit

LONDON. — Wilfried Zaha has no plans to quit international football following surprise claims from his Ivory Coast manager.

Elephants boss Patrice Beaumelle said Zaha “wants to reflect on the rest of his international career’’ after leaving the Crystal Palace star out of his latest squad.

But Beaumelle’s comments have caused surprise and he is understood to have misinterpreted what were thought to be private discussions about elements of the Cote d’Ivoire set-up.

Beaumelle and winger Zaha (28) held talks and agreed he would be left out of the team’s plans for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Cameroon.

The decision was taken with Cote d’Ivoire in pole position, in their group to reach the play-offs heading into their final two games, but also in light of the illness Zaha suffered last month.

Not for the first time, Zaha returned from international duty feeling under the weather following the last break.

He missed Palace’s next game against Arsenal before appearing as a second-half sub against Newcastle.

Zaha made a scoring return to the starting line-up against Manchester City and having taken a while to shake off the effects of his illness from the last break it was decided it would be best for Zaha to remain at home for the upcoming one.

That call will be welcomed by Palace who were also keen to avoid the prospect of being without their talisman once again on his return from representing his country. — Mailonline.