Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has opened up about the claims that he constantly dives.
The Eagles star has earned himself an unfortunate reputation as someone who frequently goes to ground too easily in order to win an advantage.
Talking with the club’s official website, Zaha acknowledged his reputation, but also admitted that he would love to show fans what it is like to receive the slightest touch while running at full speed.
Speaking specifically about being blocked in the box by Bournemouth defender Simon Francis last week, Zaha said;
I’ve done a one-two, I’ve gone to ground and he’s blocked me and I fell over. You know you’ve blocked me, you’ve bundled me over, I haven’t called for a penalty, but anywhere else on the pitch that’s a foul, so why are you trying to pull me up and say ‘why are you diving’?
Anywhere else on the pitch it’s a foul, that’s what I don’t get.
I’d love to show someone, you sprint and I just touch the back of your ankle and let’s see how far you go sliding down the pitch. Unless you’re able to run that fast you’ll never understand.
I feel like everyone just jumps on the bandwagon. I read stuff on Twitter and think ‘half of you don’t watch me play’ they say ‘he’s a diver, he’s a diver’. You watch me and see how much I get kicked. I don’t go off the pitch and cut myself to act like I’ve been kicked.
