Mateta opens up on missed Milan move after knee injury

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was very close to joining AC Milan in January but a knee injury ultimately blocked the transfer.

The French forward almost signed on the final day of the winter window, but failed several medical tests with the Italian giants and stayed at Selhurst Park.

“I wasn’t going to need surgery in the end. I talk about the situation and how I came back. It was not easy. It was a lot of work. I worked with some wonderful people who helped me. You just have to believe in yourself,” Mateta told The Standard.

He described the emotional rollercoaster: “There were many phases. I was injured and then I had the Milan thing.” At one point he thought he would need knee surgery, but he recovered without an operation. “After that I needed to come back. I was just realistic. When I knew it wasn’t happening with Milan, I knew I had to come back,” he added.

Mateta has repaid the faith with 12 goals in 32 league games this season, earning a spot in France’s World Cup squad. He remains under contract with Palace until summer 2027.