Ivory Coast international Wilfried Zaha has ended speculation over his future after signing a new five-year deal with Crystal Palace. The on-demand winger has decided to commit with the Eagles whom he has helped win the relegation battle, to ward off interest from Tottenham, Manchester City, and Arsenal.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Palace is in my heart and I don’t think the story is over,”[/perfectpullquote]
Zaha confirmed in a statement released by the Palace Website.
“I spoke with Steve [Parish] and I think I still have more to give this club. The supporters have been amazing and I want us to do more than just stay in the league next year.”
“I would like to thank you to the chairman for being a big part of my journey and his fellow owners for backing me and rewarding my progression. Let’s do this!” he added.
Zaha started his football career at Crystal Palace youth academy before breaking into the first team with an impressive debut season in 2011/2012. He joined Manchester United for a fee of £10m but was forced to re-join his boyhood side initially on loan after finding it hard to break into the Red Devil’s starting lineup.
Steve Parish, the Palace chairman who helped make the deal happen is convinced Zaha has become the team’s “talisman” over his last two spells and couldn’t hide his joy after he committed to another contract.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Wilfred has been with the club since he was eight years old and in the first team from the day I arrived. He is our talisman and someone that week in, week out, gives everything for the Red and Blue.[/perfectpullquote]
“I’m delighted he has committed his future to us and look forward to climbing up the table with him next year,” Parish said.
The 24-year-old enjoyed his most prolific campaign in the Premier League yet, scoring seven goals in 37 appearances to win Palace’s Player of the Year for the second time running.
Despite the resignation of former England Manager Sam Allardyce earlier this week, Zaha is looking forward to a more successful future at Selhurst Park and is confident the side will be ready to compete next season.
He will be earning close to £110,000 a week, to level with Christian Benteke – the club’s highest paid player.
Featured Photo: Getty Images
