Jean-Philippe Mateta has been discussing several interesting topics around Crystal Palace and now has spoken about one in particular.
With the break in action for Crystal Palace now nearing the end of its second week, we are just over a week from facing Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
But still, in the midst of a break, Jean-Philippe Mateta has been speaking about various talking points around Selhurst Park.
He has been discussing the development path of 19-year-old Matheus Franca who he’s been impressed by. Mateta has also been sharing what Oliver Glasner is doing at differently to Roy Hodgson since his arrival in February.
But he’s also been talking about Jordan Ayew, admitting what he’s always telling his family about his Ghanian teammate.
Jean-Philippe Mateta shares view on Crystal Palace teammate Jordan Ayew
Speaking with club media, Mateta has explained that he is always telling his family about Ayew, given the Black Stars’ forward had previously played for Marseille, whom Mateta’s father supports.
Ayew’s dad is something of a club icon at Marseille, helping them to a Champions League triumph. Here’s what Mateta said.
“I always speak about Jordan – I remember when he started football with Marseille and he scored some goals. They were a very good team, and when my father followed them they won the Champions League with the father of Jordan.
“Jordan’s father is really big, like a legend in my family! I always speak about it. I asked Jordan how Marseille was when he was there. I’m really interested in it – and I still watch Marseille games.”
This shows just how big a fan Mateta is of his teammate and something that explains their close relationship which has been visible in recent celebrations, such as against Everton.
Who was Jordan Ayew’s father?
Ayew’s dad, Abedi Pele, is something of a legend within football especially for Ghana. The 59-year-old made 73 caps for his country with 33 goals – as per Transfermarkt.
He won three African Footballer of the Year awards from 1991 through to 1993, while also winning the AFCON in 1982.
Abedi’s club career peaked with Marseille, which is where he impressed Mateta’s dad as he played a key role in the French side lifting the 1993 Champions League final and also three Ligue 1’s in 1989, 1991 and 1992.
For the French side, he made 149 appearances, scoring 30 and assisting 15 from the attacking midfield position. He also played for LOSC Lille where he scored 19 and assisted four in 68 games, TSV 1860 Munich, Torino and also Lyon.
