These are the kind of stories that make you smile. For several seasons, Jean-Philippe Mateta has been having fun with Crystal Palace. Becoming a reference in his position in the Premier League, the former OL striker has come a long way and can boast of having reached numerous milestones in his career in recent years. Entering the hearts of the French during the Paris Olympic Games with five goals in six games, the 28-year-old striker then became a name to watch in Didier Deschamps' lists.
Entering the radar of the French coach after the international retirement of Olivier Giroud, the powerful striker had not been called up during the last rallies. However, faced with the numerous unavailability for this October international window, the name of Jean-Philippe Mateta has become a more than credible alternative for the French team. Almost obvious, the first summons of the native of Sevran was recorded last Thursday. A just reward which inevitably aroused emotion among the person concerned.
Jean-Philippe Mateta did not expect to be called up for the French team
Indeed, questioned by RMCMateta explained that he did not necessarily expect to be called up with the Blues: “ it's magnificent… I already knew Clairefontaine, but coming for the A's is indescribable, it's a dream. The first selection, you always wait for it because often, you are preselected, so you have the hope of being called. Afterwards, if you don't get called… I'm a guy who always remains ambitious. So if it's not today, it's tomorrow, and if it's not tomorrow, it's the day after tomorrow. I had high hopes and when I received this invitation, I was really happy. What if I expected it? No, I really learned it watching television. I didn't expect it. I was always hoping because I was shortlisted, so I always told myself that I would be selected one day. And there, it's magnificent, even at 28, we're still happy “.
Then relaunched on his ambitions with the Blues. To begin with, Mateta wants to have a great reunion with France to, why not, seek his place in the long term with the Blues: “ It’s true that I have an atypical profile, so I will give everything to “have my say” as you say (smiles). Didier Deschamps? Yes, I spoke with him and he made me understand that this choice was deserved. He told me, “Free yourself, be at ease, join the group, don’t worry too much.” (…) Me, I take what is given to me. Whether it's Azerbaijan or another opponent, if they put me on the pitch, I'll give 100%. Yes, I think I can score, but not only against Azerbaijan (smiles)… » You will have understood, the French Team will be able to count on a motivated Jean-Philippe Mateta for the next meetings.
