crystal Palace Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has detailed what it was like to see his dream of a move to AC Milan dashed in the January transfer window.
L’Equipe has today had an interview with the 28-year-old. He discusses the failure of the transfer and its impact on him.
January transfer canceled
The Crystal Palace striker was due to join AC Milan at the end of the January transfer window as the Italians look for a new striker to strengthen their options.
The deal was progressing and talks were reaching Milan waiting for the green light To put Jean-Philippe Mateta on the flight and close the deal.
Then it all started collapsing. Doctors had warned AC Milan about the striker’s knees. Various medical tests confirmed that there were some problems and the deal was completely closed.
However the suffering did not end here. Mateta was then forced to return to Crystal Palace, where he spent 38 days out of action and missed eight games of a significant part of the season to recover.
He is now back to his best form, but admits that it took time for him to recover emotionally from the whole affair.
“I’m doing my best, 100%,” He said.
“When you come back, it’s not easy to get your cardio back. I worked hard to get it back, and it’s back. I’m the leader on the team. I’m used to competing; it’s good for me.
“To be honest, it was a real shock when they told me it was over… After that, I immediately thought about how to make a comeback.
“I consulted with several specialists, and when they assured me surgery was not necessary, I focused on the next step, until my return. I worked incredibly hard to show coach (Oliver Glasner) that the leader, “JP”, was there to earn his spot and win with the team.”
crystal palace competition
The strange thing about the whole affair was that Crystal Palace had spent €55.6m to sign Jorgen Strand Larsson from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
This has created competition which was not there before. But the French striker insists there are no problems in the group.
“I don’t think I’m the first person to fail a medical, and I won’t be the last,” He concluded.
“The players know me, and so does the coach. They know that when I’m in the dressing room, I’m there 100% to win. Meanwhile another striker has come in. I’m working with him. Rotating is not a bad thing; I don’t lack match fitness.”
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