WILFRIED ZAHA has demanded that fans stop calling him a “streets will never forget baller.”
The former Crystal Palace star took to social media with a strongly-worded post making his feelings clear on the statement.
2
Zaha, 32, played 458 times for the Eagles across two spells.
He even had a brief stint at Manchester United in 2013 and has also turned out for Cardiff, Galatasaray and Lyon.
Zaha is now plying his trade in the MLS with Charlotte FC.
But most football fans remember him for his time in the Premier League with Palace.
It has earned Zaha the tag of a “baller” who the “streets will never forget.”
The phrase is a well-meaning one usually dished out to top footballers who, for one reason or another, never managed to establish themselves at a perceived ‘top’ club.
However, Zaha has demanded he is no longer put in that category after lashing out on social media.
He said: “Just gotta make this clear… just because you haven’t been fortunate to play for top clubs doesn’t mean you’re not a top player.
Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets
“So please, I’m just a baller and will always be… So don’t put me in ‘streets will never forget baller’.
“I may not have won much in football but that doesn’t define my talent and real ballers know ballers (are) not the badge you wear.”
2
Zaha is now looking to make his way in America with Charlotte FC.
And after being named Man of the Match on his debut last month, he was gifted a crown and throne by supporters.
Reflecting on his move to the States, Zaha said: “It doesn’t stop my journey. I’ve left Palace and I left Palace in a good way. I’ve played for a childhood club, I’ve left there with a mural.
“All I can do is just keep my head down and just keep on working. I was in Turkey, it didn’t work out with Gala.
“It didn’t work out with Lyon. It doesn’t stop me. I’m still thinking I’m still the player that I am and if I get the opportunity, I’m going to show it every time.
“I have come in here to score goals and try to win stuff. I set myself incredibly high standards.
“So when I do speak, people will actually listen because I show you an example by what I do.
“Going into the season, I want to try to score as many goals as I can. That’s what I mean by my own history here.”
