Parish ecstatic to lock up Palace ‘talisman’ Zaha

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish insists that Wilfried Zaha is a talisman for the club and is overjoyed the winger has agreed a contract extension.

Zaha started playing at Palace when he was just eight years old and the club announced on Thursday that the Ivory Coast international had agreed a five-year contract extension.

The wideman has been awarded Palace’s Player of the Season for the past two campaigns and Parish highlighted Zaha’s effort levels as a key factor in this.

Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

“Wilf has been with the club since he was eight years old and in the first team from the day I arrived,” said Parish.

“He is our talisman and someone that week in week out gives everything for the Red and Blue.

“I’m delighted he has committed his future to us and look forward to climbing up the table with him next year.”

Zaha was instrumental in securing the club’s fifth consecutive season in the Premier League and, commenting on the contract extension, he thanked the club for backing him.

“Palace is in my heart and I don’t think the story is over, I spoke with Steve and I think I still have more to give this club,” said Zaha.

“The supporters have been amazing and I want us to do more than just stay in the league next year.

“I would like to thank the chairman for being a big part of my journey and his fellow owners for backing me and rewarding my progression.”