Jean-Philippe Mateta admits it was not easy to accept the events that led to the collapse of his January move to AC Milan.
Mateta looked set to leave Crystal Palace on Deadline Day until multiple failed medical tests with the Serie A side led to him returning to Selhurst Park with his tail between his legs.
The French international had made it clear that he wanted to leave south London in January. So, in failing to secure a move away from the club, he was left in an awkward position.
Mateta, who then had to weigh up whether to have surgery on the knee injury that had led to the collapse of his transfer, says jokes were made about the situation but it was quickly back to reality with Palace pushing to win the Conference League.
“It wasn’t easy,” Mateta explained. “It was a lot of work. I worked with some beautiful people who helped me. You just have to believe in yourself.
“There were a lot of phases. I was injured then I had the thing with Milan.
“After I thought, I was going to have surgery, but then there was no surgery.
“After that, I had to come back. I was just realistic. When I knew it was off with Milan, I knew I had to come back.
“When there was no surgery, I knew I had to come back earlier in my head and work hard. There was a new striker, so there was competition. It’s just football. I’m not the first to have this and I won’t be the last. I like pressure. I like that people thought it was finished when it was not.”
The arrival of Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves for a club record £48million fee in January meant Mateta faced competition for a starting berth.
But, having decided against surgery, he returned to fitness in March and soon rediscovered his form despite limited minutes.
Mateta was not called up to France’s squad ahead of the international break, but his recent form has earned him a place in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad.
For the 28-year-old, who only made his international debut in October 2025, a first World Cup call up is a remarkable achievement.
“It means a lot of things,” he said.
“I don’t have the words. It’s a dream. Everyone dreams of playing at the World Cup and they called me. I hope we go there to win.
“I’m very proud. After all these things, I’ve got a call-up for France – the best national team in the world. It means a lot to me. I will not stop working hard.”
