Jean-Philippe Mateta says he is grateful that a failed medical prevented his proposed move from Crystal Palace to AC Milan, because the examination revealed that his long-standing knee injury was more serious than he had understood.
The France international had been expected to join the Serie A club at the end of the 2026 winter transfer window after telling Palace midway through last season that he wanted to leave. Palace had prepared for the possibility of his departure by signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves.
However, the transfer collapsed when Mateta failed AC Milan’s medical examination because of a meniscus problem. Reports later indicated that the injury had persisted since he ruptured his meniscus while playing for Mainz in 2019.
Mateta was subsequently ruled out for a month after returning to Palace, but the forward was back in action in March. He went on to play a significant role in the club’s successful Conference League campaign, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the final in May.
The 29-year-old ended the season with 16 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions. Only Ismaila Sarr, who scored 21 times, found the net more often for the Eagles.
Although Mateta was initially frustrated that his move to Italy had fallen through, he now believes the medical examination was a crucial moment in dealing with the problem.
“I was going through the medical exam and suddenly everything stopped,” Mateta told Canal+ Foot.
“My knee injury was actually more serious than I had been told. At that moment, when they explained it to me, all sorts of things went through my head.
“Ultimately, I don’t regret anything, because if I hadn’t done that medical exam, how long would I have been dragging this knee issue along?
“Luckily, I had that medical and found out exactly what was wrong with me.”
The failed transfer therefore gave Mateta a clearer understanding of the condition, which had originated during his time at Mainz several years earlier. He was able to return before the end of the season and help Palace secure the Conference League, including the winning goal in the final.
Mateta also represented France at this summer’s World Cup. He made two appearances as France finished fourth and will now turn his attention back to Palace as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.
Palace begin their Premier League season away at Everton, with Mateta hoping to build on a campaign in which he combined regular appearances with a key contribution to the club’s European success.
