Jean-Philippe Mateta’s redemption, from Milan collapse to France’s World Cup squad | OneFootball

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been named in France’s 26-man World Cup squad after a turbulent season, and now prepares for Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.

According to NY Times, he watched on TF1 as Didier Deschamps revealed the list, nerves only easing when his own name arrived, greeted by family celebrations at home.

By January he had been playing through knee pain since November, sought a move during a winless spell and was booed after a home defeat to Chelsea. Palace signed Jorgen Strand Larsen for an initial £43m, and a transfer worth more than €30m to AC Milan reached personal terms and medical checks before collapsing on deadline day.

Surgery was avoided to keep World Cup hopes alive, so he rested, then returned in mid-March against AEK Larnaca. Some fans doubted his commitment, yet he focused on fitness and form.

He scored a penalty on his first start back against Fiorentina, then struck twice at Newcastle, and has influenced games consistently since. Team-mates described an unchanged, supportive figure, while Oliver Glasner emphasised his goals, impact and personality.

On the Premier League’s final day he headed his 50th in the competition past Kepa Arrizabalaga, and marked 200 Palace appearances with a framed picture from Mark Bright alongside Eberechi Eze. Relations with supporters have improved.

His contract runs to summer 2027 with no extension agreed. A move remains possible, though costs and risks could see him stay if Palace’s valuation is not met.

He relishes pressure and felt some had written him off, yet his response since March has been emphatic.

Source: NY Times