Mateta Thanks Milan After Knee Injury Derails Transfer

French forward Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace has revealed his gratitude to AC Milan after medical tests prevented his move to the Italian club during the last winter transfer window.

Mateta stated in an interview with "Canal+": "I was undergoing a medical examination and suddenly everything stopped. My knee injury was actually more serious than Crystal Palace told me."

The French striker stated: "At that moment, many thoughts were running through my head, but fortunately, they discovered exactly what the problem was," confirming that the tests conducted by AC Milan's doctors clarified the nature of the injury.

Mateta was close to joining Milan for around €35 million, but the deal collapsed after medical tests raised concerns about his knee condition. Despite the disappointment at the time, the player now believes that the failed transfer was in his best interest, as the examination helped him gain a clearer understanding of his injury.