Wilfried Zaha has responded strongly to allegations made by his former Crystal Palace teammate, Jean-Philippe Mateta. Mateta claims that Zaha and others in the dressing room mocked his aspirations of playing for the French national team.
Background of the Controversy
Jean-Philippe Mateta, age 28, recently received his first call-up to the French national squad for the October internationals. This recognition marks a significant milestone in his career, particularly following his impressive performances at Selhurst Park.
Mateta’s Claims and Zaha’s Reaction
In an interview with L’Equipe, Mateta revealed that during his early days at Crystal Palace, when he struggled for playtime, Zaha laughed at his hopes of representing France. Mateta stated, “They said that I was mad to think about the France team.” He insisted that he remained determined and was dedicated to proving himself on the pitch.
Zaha, now playing for Charlotte FC on loan from Galatasaray, vehemently denied Mateta’s accusations. He described the claims as “nasty” and asserted that he never bullied any of his teammates. According to Zaha, it is common for players to joke in a lighthearted manner about tough situations. He remarked, “We were joking around, saying that it is going to be difficult,” referring to the competition for national team spots.
Zaha’s Remarks on Friendship and Loyalty
In his defense, Zaha expressed confusion over why Mateta would single him out, stating, “Is it just because Zaha is the biggest name?” He emphasized that they had shared a friendly banter, mentioning other players present during the conversation. Zaha stated, “It’s disgusting when I see someone who I thought was a friend do that.” He reiterated that he has always supported his teammates and has even publicly congratulated Mateta on social media.
Career Highlights
- Zaha made 458 appearances for Crystal Palace over 11 years, scoring 90 goals.
- Mateta scored 36 goals for the club in the past two seasons and contributed to winning the FA Cup.
- Mateta netted his first international goal for France in a recent match against Iceland, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
As this public feud unfolds, Zaha emphasizes the importance of integrity in the sport and expresses his desire to distance himself from potential conflicts. He stated, “This is why I don’t have football friends; I keep myself to myself.”
