Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha reveals he gives a tenth of his salary to charity
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has revealed that he gives a sizeable chunk of his monthly salary to charities.
The 23-year-old, who was born in the Ivory Coast before moving to Croydon at the age of four, enjoys many of the trappings of life as a top flight footballer. That includes a garage stocked with a Lamborghini, Porsche and Range Rover, but that hasn’t stopped him helping in his community and beyond.
And Zaha revealed that his mother has played an important role in ensuring he keeps his feet on the ground.
“I give a tenth of my salary to charity every month so in terms of giving back, I do my best,” he 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.”
Zaha began his career at Crystal Palace before a £10 million move to Manchester United at just 20 years of age after he had been identified as one of the brightest young prospects in English football.
Having been signed by Sir Alex Ferguson he failed to convince new manager David Moyes, returning to Selhurst Park on loan in August 2014 after a disappointing first season at the Premier League giants.
The winger has looked reborn under the tutelage of Alan Pardew, reigniting talk of a first England appearance since November 2012. Zaha has been impressed with his current manager and compared him favourably to others he has worked with.
“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.”
ArticleWilfried Zaha: I give a tenth of my salary to charityWilfried ZahaCrystal PalaceAlan PardewCrystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha reveals he gives a tenth of his salary to charityDavid Moyes stopped me from doing tricks at Manchester United, reveals Wilfried ZahaPublishedImageMedium width4Thursday, December 3, 2015 - 18:45'I do my best': Zaha revealed his mother ensures he gives backOn