'It's disgusting!' - Former Crystal Palace ace Wilfried Zaha launches scathing attack on Jean-Philippe Mateta as he hits back at 'bully' claims

Experienced frontman Mateta recently revealed how his international ambitions were once laughed off by those around him at Selhurst Park. He always believed that a call-up to the France squad could be achieved, but many of those working alongside him did not share that confidence.

Mateta has silenced any doubters, with the 28-year-old striker making his senior international bow during the latest break in domestic action. He was handed his debut by Les Bleus in a 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan, before opening his goal account in a 2-2 draw with Iceland. He has now lived out a childhood dream.

When linking up with Didier Deschamps’ squad, Mateta told L’Equipe: “At Crystal Palace, right at the start, when I wasn’t even playing, I spoke about the France team in the dressing room and I had team-mates like Wilfried Zaha who were laughing.

“They said that I was mad to think about the France team when I wasn’t even playing at Crystal Palace, but I responded saying that it was my objective and that I simply had to play to show what I could do.”

Mateta joined Palace in January 2021, meaning that he spent two-and-a-half years alongside Zaha before the Eagles legend departed for Galatasaray in 2023. Zaha is disappointed to have seen his name dragged into a discussion that sees him portrayed as somebody that mocked the ambition of others - having faced plenty of his own critics down the years.

Zaha said in a video posted on social media: “My head’s on fire. I have to clear up this Mateta situation. Because he doesn’t want to. I spoke to him and he doesn’t want to, he’s okay with it. This just shows me, all the time I played for Crystal Palace, people watching me, it’s clear that they weren’t happy for me.

“Because I never made anyone feel like ‘sh*t’. I never… everyone knows me. The only time on the pitch is when I’m passionate and all that stuff. But I’d never bully someone or say someone won’t make it here or won’t make it at all or nothing like that. It’s disgusting when I see someone that I thought was a friend do that.”

Zaha went on to say: “"Did you dislike me the whole time? For you to come out with this, your come up story, I’m going to use Zaha as my come up story. It’s nasty, man. It is nasty. This is why I don’t have football friends. This is why I keep myself to myself because how’s he gonna do that?”

Zaha has found sympathy among many, with it suggested that his actions were made in jest and merely formed part of behind-the-scenes banter. It is, however, not the first time that the 32-year-old winger has felt the need to speak out on his social channels.

Back in April, having moved to MLS and linked up with Charlotte FC on an initial loan agreement, Zaha saw his performance against the New England Revolution called into question - despite Dean Smith’s side making a positive start to a season that has delivered a play-off berth.

Zaha said: “Typical. We lost a game and somehow it's Zaha's fault. I dribble ..I'm selfish. I keep it simple.. I'm not doing what I'm being paid to do. I shoot.. I should [have] passed. I pass.. I should finish my chances.

“I usually wouldn’t reply to this stupid but I'm not a scapegoat for people to waffle about at clubs anymore. Zaha this, Zaha that, but we had the best start ever and been 1st in the league, so please stop chapping, especially my name.”

Charlotte and Zaha have one regular season game left to take in this season, against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, while Mateta and Palace are readying themselves for a Premier League clash with Bournemouth.