“Milan are in the past” – Mateta shuts down links despite Glasner’s potential move

Jean-Philippe Mateta could have been part of the AC Milan cohort at the World Cup, but his January move fell through.

It seemed like Milan were going to strike late in the January mercato and add a proven striker in Mateta. However, concerns about a knee injury halted the deal and it fell through at the 11th hour, which is becoming an uncomfortable rhetoric.

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Indeed, the Frenchman is not the only deal to have fallen through late and he probably won’t be the last at this rate.

Of course, with his injury issue – and the fact of how he pushed for a move away from South London – you’d expect him to have struggled in the second half of the season. Yet, he still outscored the Rossoneri’s attackers.

Mateta recalls Milan move failure

Speaking from France’s camp at the World Cup, Mateta spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about the potential move and his thoughts looking back on it now, as seen below.

“That was a strange period for me and far from easy. There was this chance of going to AC Milan, but now that’s in the past, and I don’t know what would have happened if I had gone to Italy. Today I’m here with France, and my only thought is about the national team.”

Winning the World Cup…

“After the injury, the only thing on my mind was the date of my return: I understood that I had a chance of being included in the World Cup squad by coach Deschamps , and I worked to be ready. In the end, I made it, and I’m happy.

“I have to thank Crystal Palace: in my first few years there, I wasn’t consistent because I didn’t get much playing time, but later I played a lot more, and that allowed me to grow and gain confidence.

“I don’t consider the definition of a penalty striker to be reductive. I’m physically strong, capable of playing with my back to goal, attacking in depth, and scoring goals.

“That’s my style of play. I work hard every day, and if I can be an example for young players, who see in me someone who has made so many sacrifices, I’m happy. Being here with France is a source of great pride for me.

“We have a very balanced squad. All the teams will be tough to face, and we’ll have to be focused in every match, without underestimating anyone.

“Honestly, I’ve never been in a team with such quality: Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola, Doué, Cherki, and the others are incredible, and I enjoy every moment of training. We have an excellent relationship.

“Winning the World Cup is the dream of all of us here, but we know we have a long way to go and that it will require maximum commitment and sacrifice. The World Cup is a tough competition, and we’ll always need to stay united as a group, even in difficult times.”