27 July 2020

‘We can’t make him like us’ - Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson unsure on Wilfried Zaha’s future

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has admitted he doubts whether Wilfried Zaha will be at the club at the start of next season.

Speculation around the winger’s future has grown in recent weeks, fuelled by the opening of the summer transfer window.

Zaha has scored 57 goals for Palace during two spells at the club (PA)

And with both his and Palace’s form tailing off as the campaign drew to a close, Hodgson remains unsure whether the 27-year-old Ivorian will stay in south London.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It [speculation] has obviously affected him because his form in the last few weeks has really been poor considering what he is capable of doing.

"It's a dilemma for the club and a dilemma for him if he is so set on leaving. If he feels he just does not want to be with us any more, that would be sad.

"We still like him very much, we can't make him like us. This is a situation that only he and the club can sort out. I don't have an answer."

Zaha scored just four goals in the 2019/20 Premier League season, his joint-fewest since returning to Palace from Manchester United.

Hodgson’s side lost seven of their last eight league games and crumbled to a 14th place finish, down from ninth on Boxing Day.

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