Wilfried Zaha, the prolific striker from Turkish club Galatasaray, has sparked speculation about his potential return to the Ivory Coast national team after hosting a meeting with national coach Emerse Faé and his assistant Guy Demel on Saturday.
Zaha’s relationship with the Ivorian national team has been a subject of scrutiny in recent times, marked by his initial decision to withdraw from the squad under former coach Patrick Baumel, only to later reconsider.
Despite his talent, Zaha has been absent from the squad, citing various reasons for not responding to national team call-ups, leading to his exclusion from the triumphant Ivorian squad at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which they won under Jean Louis Gasset.
In light of the evolving landscape of Ivorian football, Faé and Demel embarked on a mission to Europe to engage with players, with Zaha being one of their key discussions in Turkey.
Reports suggest that the meeting between Zaha and the coaching staff was constructive, aiming to present the new vision for the Ivory Coast national team and garner support from players.
Faé emphasized the inclusive nature of the selection process, highlighting that all players in top form are welcome, signaling a fresh start for the national team.
Sources close to the discussions revealed a positive atmosphere during the meeting, indicating Zaha’s alignment with the new direction of the team.
With Faé’s openness to welcoming players willing to contribute positively, speculation mounts regarding Zaha’s potential comeback to the Ivorian squad in upcoming fixtures.
As the Ivorian national team undergoes a rejuvenation process under Faé’s leadership, Zaha’s potential return could inject renewed vigor and depth into the squad, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in Ivorian football.
