Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish can understand why Wilfried Zaha wanted to leave club

European dream: Wilfried Zaha wants to play Champions League football
PA
Giuseppe Muro10 August 2018

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has said he can understand why Wilfried Zaha wanted to leave Selhurst Park this summer.

Zaha rejected the offer of a new £125,000-a-week contract and indicated to the club that he was keen to play Champions League football.

Chelsea considered a move for Zaha but did not make any official attempt to sign him and Tottenham did not reignite their interest in the 25-year-old.

Palace also made it clear they did not want to sell Zaha. Parish said: “Of course it [Zaha staying] is important for the club. He is a massively important figure for the club. But we also recognise that this is world-class player and we recognise that there is a desire from everyone in their profession to get to the very top of their profession. But it was not the right time for him and that is good for us a football club.”

Borussia Dortmund can still move Zaha until the window closes for the rest of Europe later this month, but Palace have made it clear that they did not want to sell him.

Palace yesterday signed Jordan Ayew on a season-long loan from Swansea with a view to a permanent transfer.

The 26-year-old forward was Palace's fourth summer signing after the arrivals of Vicente Guaita, Max Meyer and Cheikhou Kouyate.

“All told, we are pleased with the business we have done,” Parish told Sky Sports. “The manager was keen to do the deal [for Ayew] and we have got more goals in the team. That is what we were looking for and he has got quality on the ball as well.”

Ayew forced a move from Swansea after their relegation last season.

The Ghana international said: “It has been a long transfer window but finally I got a move. The important thing for me now is to get fit and to be in good shape, and I know the manager wants to use me up front and make things happen.

“I chose to come to Palace to continue improving. It is a step up for me and I am ready for the challenge and to get to where I think I can get to.”

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