Wilfried Zaha would be 'crazy' to leave Crystal Palace this summer, says John Salako

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Wilfried Zaha would be crazy to leave Selhurst Park this summer, according to former Crystal Palace midfielder and coach, John Salako.

The winger, who became the first Crystal Palace player to win a Premier League Player of the Month award since Andy Johnson in 2004 this week, has been integral to the Eagles’ survival this season.

Without the Ivory Coast international, who returned to south London from Manchester United on a permanent basis in 2015, the side’s form this term makes for grim reading; nine games, no points and just three goals.

After his best top flight season to date, it is only natural that speculation of another big move for the 25-year-old has begun to circle, however, Salako is convinced he’ll stay put.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

“Do you know what, from my feeling, Wilfried has come back to the club, he’s now a father, he’s settled down and maturing, he’s loving life and loving his football,” he told Standard Sport.

“He’s at home at Selhurst and at Palace and he’d be crazy to move. I think he may even get an improved contract, I think he should at least just get his head down and be there for next season and see where he goes from there.

“Obviously there is going to be interest, I think the sooner he dismisses that, go away and enjoy himself and then come back for pre-season [the better].

“Obviously say to the management and the board, they need to show some more ambition, sign some more quality players to ensure he’s playing in a good side.”

John Salako was speaking on behalf of Play With A Legend. Line up alongside Crystal Palace heroes Salako, Clinton Morrison, Darren Ambrose and Matt Jansen in their unique 'play on the pitch event' at Selhurst Park on Sunday 20 May.

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