After years spent on European pitches and experiences in the Middle East and North Africa, Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech has decided to turn a new page in his career, this time through the Brazilian league. This move has sparked numerous questions regarding his true motivations and his future with the Moroccan national team. Shortly after joining Botafogo, Ziyech granted an interview with Africa Foot, where he candidly discussed the reasons behind his new venture, revealing details about his departure from Wydad Casablanca. He emphasized that financial incentives were not the primary factor in his decision, and he also spoke about his ambitions with his new Brazilian club, as well as the possibility of returning to the Moroccan national team.
At 33 years old, Ziyech confirmed that his transition to Brazil was driven by the desire for a different challenge and an environment conducive to rekindling the passion for football that he had lost in recent times. He stressed that he does not view this step as a final chapter in his career but rather as a fresh start aimed at regaining his best form.
Ziyech: Finding the Joy of Football Again
Ziyech asserted that his decision to join the Brazilian league was not motivated by financial aspects, despite the existence of other potentially more lucrative offers. The Moroccan player stated, “For me, joining the Brazilian league was not just a matter of money. At this stage of my career, I was looking for a new challenge and, above all, a place where I could regain the joy of playing football.” He added, “Football is played differently in Brazil. Here, the fans have an exceptional passion for the sport, and this kind of atmosphere appeals to me greatly.” Ziyech clarified that financial gain did not dictate his choice, even though he acknowledged that other options might have been more financially attractive. He continued, “Of course, there were other options, some of which might have been more appealing financially, but I didn’t want money to be the sole factor determining my next choice. I want to play football, embark on a new experience, and test myself in a strong and different league.”
The Moroccan international noted that his extensive experience in European leagues, along with stints in the Middle East and North Africa, made him feel that the time was ripe to discover a new experience in Brazil. “I am 33 years old and have vast experience in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, so I felt it was time to explore Brazil. I want to get to know the country, the league, the fans, but most importantly, I want to contribute to Botafogo,” he stated.
Wydad Experience: A Return Not Motivated by Money
Ziyech’s return to Morocco through Wydad Casablanca garnered significant attention, especially since he chose to return home after spending many years away. However, Ziyech emphasized that his decision to return to Morocco was not financially motivated but stemmed from personal and sporting motivations, including his desire to be closer to his family and play in front of Moroccan fans. “My decision to return to Morocco and play with Wydad was made with complete conviction. I didn’t return to my country for money; I wanted to be close to my family and play in front of Moroccan fans,” he stated.
However, Ziyech’s time with Wydad did not unfold as he had hoped due to disagreements over various details related to working conditions and financial matters. He explained, “But football is not just about emotions. After a while, some things changed within the club, and disagreements arose over several details, especially regarding working conditions and financial issues. At one point, I felt that things were not going as I expected, so we made a mutual decision to part ways.” Despite his departure from Wydad, Ziyech was keen to emphasize that his decision did not reflect a rejection of playing in Morocco, insisting that his experience with the Casablanca club was valuable to him. “I did not leave Morocco because I didn’t want to play there. On the contrary, that experience was meaningful to me, and I hold a great deal of respect for Wydad and its fans. However, at this stage of my professional career, I felt the need for a new challenge in an environment where I could fully focus on football,” he remarked.
The opportunity presented by Botafogo came at a time when Ziyech was seeking a fresh start, and he found in the Brazilian club a different prospect compared to other options available to him. He stated, “When I received an offer from Botafogo, I saw it as a completely different opportunity. Brazil experiences football in an extraordinary way, the club has significant ambitions, and its fans are incredibly passionate.” He explained that this aspect was one of the reasons that led him to choose to move to Brazil instead of continuing in Morocco. “That’s why I preferred to take on this experience rather than stay in Morocco just because I wanted to remain close to my country,” he added.
Ziyech emphasized that his connection to his homeland will remain strong, but he also recognizes that his professional career requires him to make decisions that he deems appropriate for his sporting future. He asserted, “I am Moroccan, and I will always be deeply connected to my country. However, my football career also requires me to make my own decisions. In the end, I chose the place where I felt I would be happiest and perform best at this stage of my career.”
Regarding his future with the Moroccan national team, Ziyech did not shy away from questions about his status, particularly since he has been distanced from the Atlas Lions during his recent experiences in Brazil. While he did not close the door on a return to the national team, he emphasized that his call-up must be based on his performances on the pitch, not merely on personal desire. He stated, “I believe Botafogo will give me the opportunity to prove my ability to play at the highest levels, but returning to the national team does not depend solely on the club or the coach. I must first prove my worth on the pitch.”
Ziyech expressed that the Moroccan national team holds a special place in his career, particularly after the historic experience he had with the Atlas Lions during the 2022 World Cup, where the team achieved an unprecedented feat by reaching the semi-finals. He said, “The national team means a lot to me. I have lived unforgettable moments with it, especially during the 2022 World Cup. Therefore, I will never rule out a return.” However, he reiterated that he does not wish to impose himself on the coaching staff but aims to earn his place through his performance. He explained, “But I don’t want to impose my place; I want to deserve it through my performance with Botafogo.”
Despite reaching the age of 33 and signing a contract with Botafogo that extends until the end of 2028, Ziyech refuses to view his move to Brazil as a step toward the conclusion of his professional career. He affirmed that his ambitions remain high and that he came to Botafogo seeking success and achievement, rather than to spend his final years before retirement. He stated, “I did not come to Brazil to end my football career; on the contrary. I signed a contract with Botafogo until the end of 2028 because I still have the ambition and desire to win.” He added, “I want to play, score goals, assist, and help the team achieve its objectives. I know what I can offer. Now it’s up to me to prove that on the pitch.”
Thus, Ziyech embarks on a new chapter in his career from Brazil, putting behind him his experience with Wydad and betting on regaining his best form with Botafogo, while the door to the Moroccan national team remains open for him, contingent on one clear condition: to let his performance on the pitch speak for itself. Soon, Botafogo will face Grêmio in a postponed match from the 21st round of the Brazilian league, marking the first stage where Ziyech hopes to begin showcasing his credentials to the fans of his new club.
As reported by kooora.com.
