ZAHA FUMES AT MATETA OVER ‘NASTY’ PALACE REMARK — FANS SHOCKED BY WAR OF WORDS
Wilfried Zaha launches an angry video response after Jean-Philippe Mateta's interview. Mateta claimed Zaha laughed at his France dreams at Crystal Palace. Zaha denies the "disgusting" and "nasty" claims, insisting he was supportive of his former teammate.
In an angry tirade, Wilfred Zaha has attacked Jean-Philippe Mateta regarding his former Crystal Palace teammate.
Zaha criticized Mateta for providing a "disgusting" and "nasty" interview in which Mateta said Zaha made fun of his desire to play for France.
"At Crystal Palace, right at the start, when I was not even playing, I spoke about the France team in the changing room, and I had teammates like Wilfried Zaha who were laughing," Mateta said in an interview with the French newspaper L'Equipe after scoring his first goal for France this week.
"When I was not even playing at Crystal Palace, they said that I was crazy to think about the France team, but I replied that it was my goal and that I just had to play to prove myself."
After two years of playing with Mateta at Palace before joining Galatasaray in 2023, Zaha was incensed by the remarks and responded with a video.
"My brain is burning," Zaha, who currently plays for Charlotte of the MLS, stated.
"I need to resolve this Mateta issue. Since he is unwilling to, he told me he did not want to and that he was fine with it.
"This only demonstrates that the individuals who saw me while I performed for Crystal Palace were obviously unhappy for me.
"Because I never gave somebody a 's***' feeling." Everybody knows who I am. I only take the pitch when I am feeling really enthusiastic and all that. However, I would never intimidate someone or say anything like, "I do not think you will make it here, or you would not make it at all."
"Seeing someone I thought was a friend act in such a way disgusts me.
There were ten players with whom he spoke about his prospects of playing for France back when he was not playing for Palace.
We were making jokes, but as friends, we laughed it off. It will be challenging, particularly with Benzema and all of these players filling those roles.
However, we never once mentioned that you would not succeed.
If this individual had said that I harbored hatred, would you not be shocked? He would speak my name, but why? When ten people were present. Is it because the most well-known name is Zaha?
"It is awful; I do not comprehend." I have never been mean to anyone. I am now receiving texts that say, "Oh, you are not joking about Mateta anymore." Well done to him; I could not be more pleased.
I even openly complimented him on Instagram. It is like, "What the f***?" to hear that narrative.
Did you always think poorly of me? I will utilize Zaha as my coming-up tale for you to come out with this, your come-up narrative.
"Dude, it is horrible. It is unpleasant.
"I do not have any football pals because of this. How is he going to accomplish that, which is why I keep to myself?
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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