Moretto: Mateta ‘would struggle’ to play multiple games a week – why Milan said no

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move to AC Milan was cancelled in the final hours of the mercato, due to an injury issue which was flagged up. 

It seemed that Milan had timed their run for Mateta perfectly. Arriving in the final days of the window, the Rossoneri turned up at the right moment and moved things quickly across. At one stage, it seemed like it would only be a matter of time before he signed on the dotted line.

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However, the situation changed quickly and the Frenchman’s move became a doubt.

Why Milan said no to Mateta

An issue with his knee was found during the medical – which took place in London – and after further medical checks, the Diavolo pulled out. Of course, had the medical happened in Milano, perhaps it would not have been such a long ordeal.

Nevertheless, those additional checks were worthwhile, and Matteo Moretto (via MilanNews) has reported that the striker would have some limitations if he had arrived.

“Milan did not arrive at Mateta’s signatures because, after the first part of medical examinations, they saw that there was a problem with his knees. One knee is more fragile than the other and could have created problems in the not-too-distant future.

“They told me that Mateta could not train regularly every day and would struggle to play more than one game a week. After the second part of the visits, Milan decided to block everything a few hours before the closing of the market.”