Former Crystal Palace player Wilfried Zaha responds to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s “disrespectful” France comments | OneFootball

Wilfried Zaha has sharply criticised former Crystal Palace teammate Jean-Philippe Mateta after the French striker appeared to mock him in comments made following his France debut.

Mateta, who scored on his first start for Les Bleus in their 2-2 draw with Iceland, told L’Équipe that Zaha once laughed when he spoke about his ambition to play for France during their time together at Selhurst Park. The striker claimed his former teammate had doubted his ability to reach international level.

Zaha, now at Charlotte FC, swiftly hit back on social media, transcribed by Sky Sports, expressing disappointment at what he described as “nasty” and “false” comments. “This just shows me that during my time at Crystal Palace, some people weren’t happy for me,” Zaha said. “I’ve never put anyone down or made anyone feel small. To see someone I thought was a friend say that, it’s disgusting.”

Addressing Mateta directly, Zaha added: “Did you dislike me the whole time? To use my name in your story like that, it’s nasty. This is why I don’t have football friends.”

Zaha spent over a decade at Palace, while Mateta, now thriving under Oliver Glasner, has become a key figure at the club this season.

GFN | Finn Entwistle