07 June 2023 , 08:30
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Wilfried Zaha was quick to deny "arrogant" accusations earlier in his career when he suggested only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were better players than him.
The Crystal Palace star found himself at the centre of a storm back in 2012 when his comments were somewhat misconstrued, but underlined his confidence nevertheless. Zaha was still a Championship player, attempting to get the Eagles back into the top flight.
His performances had earned international recognition with England's U21s, but Roy Hodgson called him up to the senior squad. The fast-footed winger, who had lit up the second tier, made it known that he wouldn't be daunted by the challenge posed on the international stage.
Zaha said: “I'd never look at someone and think he's better than me, unless it's Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi." His comments were then perceived as him saying he was effectively the third best player on the planet, leading to accusations of arrogance - but the player was quick to correct the record.
In the immediate aftermath he tweeted: "My words were absolutely twisted and taken the wrong way in my last interview but I will learn from this and explain in further detail what I mean when I make certain statements. Thanks for all the supportive messages and those who understood my interview wasn't me trying to [be] arrogant."
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Zaha earned himself a move to Manchester United soon after, but he never got a fair crack at Old Trafford with opportunities limited and he returned to Selhurst Park. The winger has been his team's talisman for years, but is now weighing up his next move as his contract winds down.
Cristiano Ronaldo is urging top players to join him in Saudi Arabia (AFP via Getty Images)The 30-year-old could end up teaming up with Ronaldo as Al Nassr table a hefty offer. According to Sky Sports the Saudi outfit will pay Zaha £15m-per-year across a three-year contract if he wants to move to the Kingdom. Palace will offer their player £200,000-a-week to remain in South London.
Ronaldo has talked up the potential of big names joining him, with Karim Benzema recently making the switch, citing the potential in Saudi Arabia. He said: "If they are coming, big players, big names, young players, old players - they are very welcome because if that happens the league will improve. Age is not players, but competitive players, young players."
He also added: "I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here. And in my opinion, if they continue to do the work that they want to do for the next five years I think the Saudi League can be the fifth best in the world."