Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has confirmed that he has spoken with former team-mate Wilfried Zaha, putting an end to any lingering tension following a brief online “feud.”
Two weeks ago, while on duty with the French national team, Mateta told L’Equipe that during his time at Selhurst Park, Zaha and others had laughed when he expressed his desire to play for France.
The Premier League striker revealed that he would often use this slight as motivation to earn his first senior call-up.
Ex-Eagles forward Zaha, now with MLS side Charlotte FC, took to social media to respond by labelling the claims as “disgusting” and denying that he had ever mocked Mateta’s ambitions.
Though neither player made further comments at the time, the escalation was enough to leave a sour taste in the mouths of Palace fans.
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Mateta clears the air
But Mateta has now gone on record to say that he and Zaha have spoken privately and resolved the matter.
“I spoke with him. Everything is good,” Mateta said. “We talked in private and that’s it.”
The 28-year-old forward recently made his full senior debut for France and scored his first-ever international goal against Iceland earlier this month as Les Bleus cruised through another round of World Cup qualifying.
Speaking ahead of the Eagles’ UEFA Conference League clash with AEK Larnaca, Mateta reflected on the achievement and his pride at representing his country.
“I am very proud obviously and happy, and I think I deserve it because I train very hard,” Mateta said. “It’s a dream come true and I hope I will get called up again.
“I am a very ambitious guy, and when I take up something, I try to do everything to make it come true.”
Mateta also highlighted how his experience in the Bundesliga has helped him adapt quickly to Palace boss Oliver Glasner’s training methods.
“He used to train in Germany, and when he came in [and told us] how we need to play, I think I understand because I am from the German league too,” Mateta added.
“I train hard every day, I want to play every game, and I show him I am ready for him and the team.”
Palace get their Conference League campaign under way on Thursday (October 23) as they host AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park.
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