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Jean-Philippe Mateta insists there is no bad blood between him and former Crystal Palace team-mate Wilfried Zaha after the two ironed out their public disagreement in private.
The Eagles striker, who earned his first senior France call-up this month and scored in their 2-2 draw with Iceland, suggested in an interview with L’Equipe earlier this month that “team-mates like Wilfried Zaha” were “laughing” at his ambitions to represent his country.
Zaha, who left Palace in 2023 and now plays for Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC, on loan from Galatasaray, denied those claims, indicating some misinterpretation had occurred.
Mateta, speaking before Thursday’s Conference League clash with AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park, said the pair have now dealt with the situation.
“I spoke with him. Everything is good,” said the Frenchman, who scored a hat-trick in Saturday’s 3-3 Premier League draw with Bournemouth, but missed a late sitter.
“We talked in private, and that’s it.”
The 28-year-old sits joint third in the Premier League scoring charts with five goals in eight games so far this campaign.
Mateta’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, and he says contract talks are not a priority at the moment.
“I’m focused on my season,” he said. “I’m just thinking about the game (on Thursday).”
PA
