Jean-Philippe Mateta says the AC Milan saga is behind him and Palace must move on

Jean-Philippe Mateta says the failed AC Milan move is behind him now. He has also told Crystal Palace to stay professional with Everton next, while backing Oliver Glasner and Ismaïla Sarr ahead of the Conference League final.

Mateta wants the focus back on Everton

Mateta was booed on his Palace return against Larnaca in March after his deadline-day switch to AC Milan collapsed. That reaction has not stopped the forward from drawing a line under it. Speaking to mirror.co.uk, he said: "For me that's all in the past and I just need to keep working hard. I have big goals in my life and I've now forgotten about all of this. Now I want to give 100 per cent for the supporters, it would mean a lot to achieve these things and I will keep pushing towards it."

He also made it clear Palace have already moved their attention on. "I'm already used to it. Last year we played Arsenal [2-2 draw] before beating Aston Villa in the semi-final. It's the same now; we have to be professional and we are already focusing on Everton," he said. Palace's next league match is at home to Everton on 2026-05-10 13:00:00+00.

The wider picture matters here because the squad is trying to handle league football and a final at the same time. Palace's last five matches are W-L-W-L-D, while Everton arrive with D-L-L-D-W in their last five. Everton have also won 3 of the last 3 meetings, so this is not the sort of fixture Palace can half-prepare for.

Glasner, Sarr and the job Palace think they can finish

Mateta was also warm about Oliver Glasner, saying: "I think he has changed how Crystal Palace was. When he came we started to win trophies and I hope for this last game we're going to win it together. We've worked so hard, we have a fantastic manager who taught us everything to do on the pitch and we also have a fantastic group."

That praise fits the way Palace are being talked about inside this run. Mateta has 13 Conference League appearances this season, with 2 goals and 3 assists, which shows why he remains part of the European story even if he is not the one filling the headlines with goals.

Sarr is the player getting the sharper scoring attention. Mateta said: "He's not underrated, he always plays good. He's done so well and I'm very happy for him, he's the top goalscorer in the Conference League. I hope he will score in the final as well and help us bring the trophy home." The numbers back that up too, with 19 goals this season and 9 in the Conference League.

Mateta's own form has been steady rather than explosive, with an average rating of 6.56 across his last five matches. That is enough to keep him in the conversation, but the bigger point is simpler: Palace have an Everton game first, and Mateta has made clear he expects the same level of focus that got them through the earlier rounds.