‘The decision has to be his’ – Patrick Vieira makes admission over Wilfried Zaha’s Crystal Palace future

Patrick Vieira says the decision over Wilfried Zaha’s Crystal Palace future lies with the forward himself.

Zaha, who turns 30 next month, is out of contract at the end of this season.

The Ivorian has bagged four goals and recorded one assist this season in eight Premier League games. He is 13 goals away from reaching 100 goals for Palace in all competitions.

He recorded the best goal tally of his career last season, scoring 14 times as the Eagles finished 12th in the Premier League.

Zaha is Crystal Palace’s record appearance holder and goalscorer in Premier League history.

“It’s important for him to understand where the football club stands and what we think about him,” said Vieira of Zaha’s future.

“We love Wilfried – he is an important character and player for the football club.

“He knows what we think about him, and he will have to think as well about what he wants to do. He is somebody that we will do everything to keep.

“He is important, not just for my plans, but for the football club. He is a strong figure here, and he has been performing as well – that side of the game is really important.

“He has been performing really well for the football club in the last couple of years.

“The decision has to be his.”

Zaha purchased his first football club in late September. Alongside his brother, Carin Zaha, the Palace forward bought Ivorian fourth-division side club Espoir Club D’Abengourou

Thornton Heath-raised Zaha, who donates 10 per cent of his wages to charities, has an academy in South London, which he launched last July. He also has a foundation in the Ivory Coast.

“People have got the wrong perception of Wilfried,” added Vieira.

“When you spend time with him, he’s not what people think he is.

“He has heart. He is caring, wants to do well and wants the football club to do well. He is passionate about the game – he loves football.

“People do not have the right perception of him. He might not help himself as well at the same time, but when you sit down and spend time with him, you will see a different person.”