The talented winger switched his international allegiance in 2016, despite moves by England manager Gareth Southgate to lure him to make full international appearance with Three Lions.
The 24-year-old star is now gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, with the reigning champions.
Zaha was born in Ivory Coast, but left the West African country at a very tender age.
He made two appearances for England in friendly matches against Sweden and Scotland in 2012 and 2013, respectively but was still eligible to play for the Elephants having not represented England in a competitive game.
Zaha expressed his happiness with the decision ahead of Ivory Coast’s AFCON opener against Togo on January 16.
He told the Elephant’s official website, “I left for England and I did not return to the [Ivory Coast] so I did all my schooling in my adopted country and it was most normal that I played for the England youth teams.
“For the past four years, I have had ample time to analyze my situation and to take into account the solicitations of the Ivorian Football Association. Now I have made my choice. Now I want to play with the Ivory Coast.
“It has been rewarding, firstly because I am proud to play for my country, then because the Ivorian selection has quality players and has always been a reservoir of talent. So I made the right choice and I do not regret it.”
Ivory Coast will today throw tackles with Uganda in a friendly match before their Group C opener against Togo.
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