Wilfried Zaha calls for fans to stop labelling him a ‘streets will never forget baller’ as he insists trophies and club badges don’t define talent

• Wilfried Zaha was never able to establish himself at one of the top clubs
• Many fans believe the winger could have achieved more in his career
• LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! With the Premier League likely securing five Champions League spots, are we rewarding mediocrity?

By SPENCER MORGAN

Wilfried Zaha has issued a plea on social media, asking fans to stop referring to him as a ‘streets will never forget’ player.

Zaha is considered by some to be a player who never reached his full potential, having shown many moments of brilliance during two long spells with Crystal Palace.

He was handed a chance at a big club in 2013 when he signed for Manchester United for £10m but would go on to make just four appearances for the Red Devils.

His inability to establish himself at a top team despite his obvious talent has seen fans induct him into the ‘streets won’t forget’ club.

The tagline is used for footballers with undeniable ability who weren’t truly able to make their mark on the game.

However, Zaha has take issue with this in a post on Snapchat. 

Wilfried Zaha is not pleased with being referred to as a ‘streets won’t forget’ player

Zaha posted this message on Snapchat on Thursday expressing his frustrations 

‘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,’ he wrote.

‘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.’

Zaha played for Galatasaray and Lyon after leaving the Premier League and now is on loan at Charlotte FC in the MLS.

Speaking recently about his move to MLS, 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.

Zaha’s talents were obvious in the Premier League during two spells with Crystal Palace 

‘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.’

Zaha joined the club in January and scored on his debut against Atlanta United.

Wilfried ZahaCrystal Palace

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Wilfried Zaha calls for fans to stop labelling him a ‘streets will never forget baller’ as he insists trophies and club badges don’t define talent

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