Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has insisted that despite recent injury problems, he has not given up on his dreams of playing for France again.
Le Figaro Sport Report The Crystal Palace striker's comments today after making a goalscoring return in the Conference League this week.
The 28-year-old scored from the spot in the 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the quarter-final first leg. It was his first goal in three months after an injury nightmare.
ac milan transfer disaster
He was close to a move to AC Milan in the January transfer window. A deal was agreed with Crystal Palace, before the Italian side withdrew at the last minute.
They discovered a problem with the striker's knee, which required surgery to repair. This caused them to pull out of the deal and Jean-Philippe Mateta returned to Crystal Palace disappointed.
He has since undergone surgery and has spent the last three months recovering from the problem. Due to this, his international future before the World Cup is in doubt. He made his debut for France in October and has scored in his last two matches since then.
His form for Crystal Palace had him ready for the World Cup. This is now in doubt, but he insists he has not given up.
“It has been a very strange period, but you adapt,” he told Canal+. He also said that he has "worked hard" and "has been rewarded."
Asked about the national team, he said, "It's on my mind. That's the only reason I don't give up."
france competition
The problem for the Crystal Palace striker is the intense competition for places in France's forward line. He is competing with some of Europe's elite for a spot at the World Cup this summer.
Their absence this year has already dropped them down the pecking order, and they now need a strong end to the season to climb back up the ladder.
Crystal Palace will certainly be hoping he can do so. A strong finish from them could benefit both sides massively.
