Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is "surprised" by comments which have thrown Wilfried Zaha's Ivory Coast future into doubt.
Elephants coach Patrice Beaumelle has left Zaha out of the squad for this month's 2022 World Cup qualifiers, claiming the 28-year-old forward had asked not to be selected.
But former France captain Vieira said Zaha had told him he is still eager to play international football.
"He made it clear to myself about how much he loves playing for the national team and how proud he would be to go to the World Cup with Ivory Coast," Vieira said.