February 9 2017

Yohan Cabaye

Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye is determined to win his place back in the France team.

Cabaye left Paris Saint-Germain for Palace in the summer of 2015 in order to gain regular match time and forge his way into the French national side.

But the 31-year-old, who has 48 caps for his country, has failed to hit top form in South London and has not been selected since Euro 2016 where he made just one start.

However, the ex-Newcastle star has not given up hope of winning his place back in Didier Deschamps' side, despite heavy competition in his position.

"The French national team has always been an objective for me. It still is," he said. "I lived some great moments, and I hope for even more. I have a background and experience. I do not think I should throw that all away.

"However, it’s still important to be realistic. My club’s results are worse, and there are also players hitting top form. I play in a position where there is a lot of, if not the most, competition. But I have not given up. I will not give up now, and I will never give up.

"I spoke with him [Deschamps]. I always have hope. The Euros were an incredible experience. However, from a personal point of view, it was frustrating. But I was there with a different role. I kept that role and personally, despite that, I really enjoyed myself.

"I have no resentment. I took it positively because it’s the only way to progress. But of course, I am disappointed. I am disappointed in myself. Because I never give up, and I always want to show that I can be counted on.

"I had to leave the club [PSG] to be able to play and develop. I do not have anything against anyone. That’s how football is. I do not want to be weak and look for excuses."

Can Cabaye help Palace to victory at Stoke this weekend? Check out this £200 bet365 bonus.