Wilfried Zaha doing his best to 'give back' by donating 10% of his monthly salary to charity
Zaha's mother makes sure the Crystal Palace star keeps his feet grounded by giving a chunk of his salary to charities in the United Kingdom and Ivory Coast
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Crystal Palace midfielder Wilfried Zaha is doing his bit to try and make the world a better place after revealing that he donates 10 per cent of his wages every month to charities in the United Kingdom and the Ivory Coast.
The 23-year-old moved from Africa to Croydon in 1996 having been born in the Ivory Coast, but with the help of his mother he has been sure not to forget his roots despite living the high life of a Premier League footballer.
Zaha could easily have lost his head when at just 20 years of age he completed a £10m move to Manchester United, only to struggle to break into the side managed by David Moyes – although he was signed during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign in charge at Old Trafford.
He was sent back to Palace on loan, before making the move a permanent one this summer, and he is enjoying a return to form under manager Alan Pardew with the Eagles flying high in seventh position.
While a Lamborghini, Porsche and a Range Rover can be spotted in Zaha’s garage, the former United player tries his best to keep himself grounded by ensuring he does his bit for charity.
“I give a tenth of my salary to charity every month so in terms of giving back, I do my best,” Zaha told the E&H Foundation.
“That’s not just charities here, it’s charities in the Ivory Coast as well.
“My mum makes sure of it as soon as the end of the month comes; I do that as my good deed to help.”
However, with talk of an England call-up for the Three Lions final international friendlies before Roy Hodgson selects his squad for the 2016 European Championships, Zaha is quick to praise Pardew’s for having an effect on both him and his team-mates which has given the winger his confidence back.
“Alan Pardew speaks to you more, he doesn’t keep you in the dark about things — that’s why I prefer someone who is open.
“He tells you what you are not doing right and praises you when you are doing what you are supposed to be doing.
“He’s given life and hope to the whole team. He’s helped me get the confidence back after my time at United.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments