LONDON — CHESTERFIELD winger Tendayi Darikwa has sparked a £2 million Mersey war. Both Liverpool and Everton want Darikwa (21) who qualifies to play for both England and Zimbabwe. — Daily Star/Sports Reporter
Everton boss David Moyes is so interested that he has sent six different scouts to assess the wideman, who was voted his division’s Player of the Month for December.
Darikwa has said he was undecided on which country to represent between England and Zimbabwe. He exclusively opened up to NewsDay Sport and revealed that he was still weighing up his options and would first consult his family before making a choice.
Darikwa said he had been keen to play for Zimbabwe a few years ago, but after allegedly being asked to pay $5 000 “processing fee” by a former Zimbabwe Football Association official, he was forced to reconsider his decision.
The England-born player holds a British passport and is eligible to play for the Warriors by virtue of his father Timothy being a Zimbabwean, but the country’s laws, however, do not permit dual citizenship.
World football governing body Fifa statutes spell out that a player should not represent more than one country at senior level.
The player, who is enjoying a purple patch at his League Two side, conceded that he was aware it was easier to break into the Warriors team than the England side.
Merseyside foes Liverpool and Everton are reported to have made inquiries about him, but a move to Anfiled would boost his England chances.
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“That is a very hard decision to make and I have not yet made up my mind on which country to play for. This is a big choice that will have a bearing on my career,” Darikwa added.
“I would love to play for England, but at the same time I have a Zimbabwean father. I know my chances to play for England are slimmer than those of playing for Zimbabwe, but I have confidence in my ability. One day I will represent a national team, but at the moment I do not know which one. I will just sit down with my family to help me decide, although at the end of the day it will be my choice.”
