After making his Olympic debut with France, Eberechi Eze, the Crystal Palace No. 14 player, has now delivered a message to Jean-Philippe Mateta. Thierry Henry started the Frenchman in attack alongside Michael Olise and Alexandre Lacazette as France defeated the United States 3-0 in their Olympic debut.
What Eberechi Eze said to Jean-Philippe Mateta
The England international has now sent the 27-year-old a single word on Instagram.
Eze wrote “fantastic” in response to Mateta’s post about France’s win over the United States, continuing the running joke among Crystal Palace players.
Fans may have noticed the Crystal Palace No.14 shouting “fantastic” after every win last season.
Mateta admitted he keeps using that particular adjective after Ray Lewington often said it during team meetings before he and Roy Hodgson left Selhurst Park in February.
David Ozoh also sent the man from Sevran a message, writing “my boy ” in the comments section.
The 19-year-old was writing from Derby after joining the Rams on loan for the 2024/25 campaign on Wednesday.
Malcolm Ebiowei messaged Ozoh after hearing the news – having made a name for himself at Derby before moving to Crystal Palace in June 2022.
Great experience for the Crystal Palace No.14
If Mateta reaches the Gold Medal match with France this summer, he is likely to miss our Premier League opener against Brentford on Sunday 18th August.
Nevertheless, a summer of the Crystal Palace talisman learning from a legendary striker in Henry will surely stand him in good stead ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, as will training with the likes of Lacazette, Rayan Cherki and other huge talents.
While the Olympic Games may rob us of Mateta for one or two Premier League games, it will – however – ensure that he is match fit and ready to play immediately, once he returns to south London.