Ziyech to MWN: ‘Never Gave an Interview’ Over Morocco Return Quotes

Rabat – Hakim Ziyech has denied giving an interview in which he was quoted discussing a possible return to the Morocco national team, responding directly to comments that circulated widely across Moroccan and international media on Sunday.

Ziyech responded to a Morocco World News (MWN) Instagram post about the reported interview, writing from his verified account: “Never give an interview 🧢.”

His response came after a football website specializing in African football published a series of statements as part of an exclusive interview with the 33-year-old Botafogo winger. 

Several Moroccan and international outlets subsequently reproduced the remarks as direct statements from Ziyech, with the reports focusing on his alleged openness to a future return to the Atlas Lions. 

Among the statements attributed to the Moroccan was a claim that representing his country still meant a great deal to him and that he would never close the door on returning to the Atlas Lions.

“The national team means a great deal to me. I experienced unforgettable moments with the team, particularly during the 2022 World Cup. So I will never close the door on a return,” he was quoted as saying.

Another comment attributed to the Botafogo player suggested that he wanted to earn a future call-up through his club performances rather than demand a place in the national team.

“If I put in the performances I know I am capable of, and if the Morocco coach believes I deserve to return, I will of course be very happy to wear the Morocco shirt again,” he was quoted as saying.

Ziyech responds directly to MWN post

The comments were subsequently shared in an Instagram post published jointly by MWN Sport and Morocco World News, based on what had been presented as an exclusive interview.

Ziyech then responded directly to the post from his verified Instagram account, writing: “Never give an interview 🧢.”

His response indicates that he disputes having given the interview from which the statements were attributed to him. The cap emoji is commonly associated with the expression “cap”, which users employ to describe a false or untrue claim. 

Ziyech did not provide additional details or specify whether he was disputing each statement. His response, however, raises questions over the authenticity of the reported interview itself.

The denial comes only days after Ziyech began a new chapter in his career. The Moroccan winger recently joined Brazilian side Botafogo following his departure from Wydad AC, signing a contract running until the end of 2028.

The former Ajax and Chelsea player has not represented Morocco since 2024. He was a key member of the Atlas Lions team that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab side to reach the last four.