Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has emphatically shut down speculation about a summer exit, declaring his commitment to the Eagles in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.
The 27-year-old French forward, who became a club hero after scoring thep decisive goal in Palace’s historic 2025 FA Cup triumph, addressed swirling transfer rumors linking him to Manchester United, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and others.
“My heart is here. I’m not leaving Crystal Palace this summer,” Mateta asserted. “We’ve achieved something special together, and I want to build on that. The project under Oliver Glasner excites me, and the fans have shown me nothing but love. This is my home now” .
Mateta’s statement comes amid intense interest from top European clubs, with Palace reportedly valuing him at over €35m (£29.4m) . His stellar 2024–25 campaign, which included 16 Premier League goals and a match-winning assist in the FA Cup final, has cemented his status as one of the league’s most lethal strikers .
When pressed on the transfer links, Mateta dismissed the noise, emphasizing his focus on Palace’s upcoming Europa League campaign.
“Winning the FA Cup was a dream, but playing in Europe with this team is the next step. I’m not done writing history here,” he said,
referencing the club’s first major trophy in 113 years .
Manager Oliver Glasner praised Mateta’s loyalty, calling him “the heartbeat of our attack” and a “symbol of Palace’s ambition.” The striker’s decision to stay is a major boost for the club, which had already begun contingency planning, including scouting Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha as a potential replacement .
Mateta’s commitment also aligns with his personal goals. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he aims to secure a spot in France’s squad by maintaining his form in South London.
“Playing regularly here gives me the best chance to represent my country. Palace is where I belong,” he added .
Fans flooded social media with celebratory messages, dubbing him “King Mateta,” while chairman Steve Parish hailed the announcement as “a testament to the culture we’re building.” With the transfer window heating up, Palace’s talisman has made one thing clear: his story at Selhurst Park is far from over.
