‘As big as it gets’ – Palace boss Hodgson on Wilf Zaha’s Selhurst Park mural
Roy Hodgson says that Wilfried Zaha will have no fears over his legendary status at Crystal Palace after a new mural paying homage to his career with the South Londoners was unveiled on Friday.
Zaha made his debut for the Eagles in 2010 in against Cardiff City and has gone on to record 458 appearances in all competitions, becoming the club’s record goalscorer and appearance holder in the Premier League.
The mural, which is in collaboration with renowned British Street Artist collective MurWalls, is located near the south-east corner of the stadium, at the junction of Park Road and Holmesdale Road.
It depicts three of Zaha’s memorable moments in a Palace shirt – his celebration after the play-off semi-final win over Brighton in 2013, his reaction to Conor Gallagher’s equaliser in the 2-2 draw with West Ham United in August 2021, and Zaha’s celebration following his goal in the 1-1 draw with Brighton in December 2019.
The 30-year-old is out of contract this summer and has yet to agree a new deal with the South Londoners.
Fit for a king 👑#CPFC | @wilfriedzaha pic.twitter.com/N1azHJIFDm
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 26, 2023
Croydon-born Hodgson said: “To be fair, that [the mural] and having stadiums named after you only happens to a few people in football.
“Having those accolades is about as big as it gets, really. I don’t think he has any fears about his status here as a Crystal Palace player.
“He will always be one of the first names on people’s lips when they’re asked: ‘Who was your favourite Crystal Palace player? Or who did you think did a great job for Crystal Palace during his time here?’
“Wilf will always be one of the first names.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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