Palace coup as Zaha commits to long stay
Star’s new deal follows that of manager Hodgson
London – Wilfried Zaha gave Crystal Palace a huge boost on Wednesday by signing a new contract that will keep him tied to the Premier League club till the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
The 25-year-old Ivory Coast forward – who is Palace’s joint highest scorer in the premier league – has been a transfer target for several higher profile clubs.
However, Zaha, who has been with the Eagles since he was 12, has committed himself to Palace.
“Crystal Palace are delighted to announce that Wilfried Zaha has pledged his future to the club by signing a contract extension, which will see the Ivorian forward remain in south London until the end of the 2022/23 season,” read a club statement on their website.
Zaha, who played a pivotal role in Palace retaining their place in the elite league last term, scoring nine goals as they recovered from a woeful start to the season, said he was delighted to have the contract discussions out of the way. “I’m very pleased,” he said. “Obviously, I just wanted to get it over and done with, so I can just focus on the season. I’m buzzing that we managed to get it sorted.”
Palace chairperson Steve Parish, who also persuaded manager Roy Hodgson to extend his contract last week, said it reflected Zaha’s loyalty to the club and the area of south London he grew up in.
“This agreement is yet another example of his lifelong commitment to the club, and our commitment to him,” said Parish.
“This is an amazing day for everyone here at Palace, our supporters and, of course, Wilf – and is richly deserved.” –