Wilfried Zaha Slams Jean-Philippe Mateta’s ‘Disgusting’ Interview in Intense Video Response
In a recent outburst, Wilfried Zaha has strongly criticized Jean-Philippe Mateta for comments made during a recent interview. Mateta, who recently earned his first call-up to the French national team, alleged that Zaha laughed at his aspirations to represent France. This claim has sparked a heated debate between the two former Crystal Palace teammates.
Mateta’s Rise to Fame
Jean-Philippe Mateta has enjoyed a remarkable career trajectory since joining Crystal Palace. Transferred from German club Mainz for £9 million in January 2022, he quickly established himself as a vital player for the team. In the 2023-24 Premier League season, he scored an impressive 16 goals and provided six assists. His form continued into the 2024-25 season, where he netted 14 goals before receiving his first international call-up from manager Didier Deschamps in early October.
- Joined Crystal Palace: January 2022
- 2023-24 Season: 16 goals, 6 assists
- 2024-25 Season: 14 goals
- First France call-up: October 2023
The Controversial Interview
In his interview with French outlet L’Equipe, Mateta discussed his unexpected rise and mentioned that Zaha laughed at his ambitions during their time together. He recalled how teammates doubted him when he shared his dream of playing for the national team, stating, “They said that I was mad to think about the France team.”
Zaha’s Response
Wilfried Zaha took to social media to clarify his stance on Mateta’s comments. He insisted that their conversation was a lighthearted joke among friends, emphasizing, “It was never a thing where I laughed at him.” Zaha’s defense didn’t end there.
A Heated Video Reaction
In a two-minute video posted on Snapchat, Zaha expressed his frustration more directly. He highlighted discrepancies in Mateta’s narrative. “It’s disgusting when I see someone that I thought was a friend do that,” Zaha said. He noted that multiple teammates were involved in the conversation and questioned why Mateta singled him out.
Zaha further remarked, “I’ve never hated on anyone. I congratulated him publicly on his Instagram.” He expressed disbelief at Mateta’s portrayal of their friendship, suggesting it felt like a betrayal. “Did you dislike me the whole time for you to come out with this?” Zaha questioned.
Conclusion
This exchange has undoubtedly placed both players in the spotlight. As Mateta continues to celebrate his international career, Zaha’s words reflect the complexities of friendships in professional sports.
