Jean-Philippe Mateta caused a stir earlier this week after claiming that Wilfried Zaha “laughed” off his chances of ever playing for France, while the pair were together at Crystal Palace.
The Crystal Palace No.14 has finally earned recognition from Didier Deschamps after an incredible rise under Oliver Glasner – who has helped the man from Sevran become one of the best strikers in England.
However, Jean-Philippe Mateta said even his fellow teammates such as Wilfried Zaha doubted it would ever happen, a claim which the Charlotte No.10 has now responded to on Snapchat.
Wilfried Zaha defends himself
The comments have resulted in some criticism, with some on social media accusing the Ivory Coast international of being a bad teammate.
In response, Zaha said: “You know what’s crazy? I saw this whole thing this morning yeah, obviously English media take it out of context.
“I spoke to him. It’s never a thing where I laughed at him like he’s not good enough. It was a thing where we were laughing saying there’s so many players it’s gonna be a difficult task. So please, let’s not make it something it isn’t.”
Zaha was clearly pleased for Mateta after sending the Frenchman a warm message on Instagram upon hearing the news of his inclusion in the France squad, so any criticism aimed towards the 32-year-old is misguided.
Even if the man born in Abidjan had actually mocked Mateta, it arguably would have been justified – he only managed to score 11 goals in 80 Premier League appearances before Glasner arrived.
Jean-Philippe Mateta reunites with Michael Olise
Not only will Mateta – who Deschamps warned – be playing alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe for France, but the international call has also seen him reunite with Michael Olise.
The 28-year-old spoke highly of his old Crystal Palace teammate when asked how it felt to be reunited, saying: “I played with him for many seasons. He’s a good guy. He’s very good technically, smart and always makes the right decision. I’m following him at Bayern – what he’s been doing there is fantastic. He’s also improved his French.”
That memorable frontline of Eberechi Eze, Mateta and Olise will arguably go down in Premier League history as well as Crystal Palace folklore for being one of the most exciting trios to grace the division.
Crystal Palace fans can watch two thirds of that trio – should Deschamps select them – on Friday night when France take on Azerbaijan in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
