Moyes: Africa Cup of Nations Deserves Respect, Player Participation is Natural

Everton manager David Moyes has reiterated his support for African players representing their national teams in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, stressing that the continental tournament merits full respect from European clubs.

Moyes clarified that the decision for players to join their national squads is not club-specific but a collective commitment involving all teams. He views the Africa Cup of Nations as an official tournament, no less significant than other continental competitions.

Speaking ahead of Everton's match against Chelsea, the manager stated: "I think we have to totally respect the Africa Cup of Nations, and the players have to go and play in the tournament for their countries. That's totally natural."

Moyes concluded by emphasizing that a national team call-up is a source of pride for both the players and their clubs, even if it presents challenges for managers during the football season. He explained: "It's great that they get called up, and it's never been a preferred thing for coaches or clubs to let their players go, but that's the reality."