Jean-Philippe Mateta reveals why failed £30m AC Milan transfer was a blessing

Jean-Philippe Mateta has revealed he has no regrets about his failed move to AC Milan after the medical that caused the transfer to collapse uncovered a more serious knee problem than he previously realised.

The Crystal Palace striker came extremely close to joining Milan during the previous January transfer window, with an agreement worth around €35million (£30m) in place.

However, additional medical examinations raised concerns over Mateta's knee and Milan ultimately decided against completing the transfer.

Looking back, the Frenchman now believes the failed move may actually have helped him.

Speaking to Canal+, Mateta revealed that the examination in Milan showed his knee problem was worse than he had previously been told.

“I do the medical and… everything stops,” Mateta explained.

“My knee injury was actually more serious than they had told me.”

The discovery initially left the striker concerned, particularly after coming so close to completing a major transfer.

However, Mateta now views the situation very differently.

“I absolutely don't regret anything, because if I hadn't done that medical, I would have continued carrying this knee problem. Until when?”

He added that discovering the true extent of the issue allowed him to understand exactly what treatment was required.

Mateta's move to Milan had been at an advanced stage.

The Rossoneri were prepared to complete a permanent transfer worth approximately €35m with Crystal Palace before deciding to conduct further examinations on his knee.

Those additional checks uncovered greater concerns than Milan had initially expected, leading the Italian club to withdraw from the deal.

Mateta ultimately avoided surgery.

Instead, he underwent specific treatment for more than a month before returning to action for Crystal Palace.

His season would still end on a major high as he returned to help Palace win the Conference League.

Mateta has now put the failed Milan transfer behind him, with the striker viewing the medical examination as an important moment for his long-term fitness rather than a missed opportunity.

What initially looked like a devastating collapsed transfer ultimately allowed the Frenchman to properly address an injury he may otherwise have continued playing with.