- Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has a trademark celebration
- Frenchman took inspiration from Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Eagles frontman to lead the line vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has explained Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s influence on his trademark goal celebration. Whenever the Frenchman scores, he runs to and kicks the corner flag.
The Holmesdale End greet him with a ‘boom’ before the Vengaboys’ ‘Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom’ bellows out over the speakers. It’s taken off as part of his branding as a footballer, especially when he fired the Eagles to the FA Cup last season.
Mateta would love to produce another celebration in tonight’s clash against Shakhtar Donetsk. Oliver Glasner’s men are in Krakow, Poland, to face the Ukrainians in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final.
“It’s Important” – Mateta on Celebration
Mateta has enjoyed a fine run of form as of late and that includes a brace in a 2-1 comeback win over Newcastle United. He also scored the opener in the historic 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the previous round of the Conference League.
The French frontman’s trademark celebration has made a regular appearance and he has revealed the inspiration. He told UEFA:
“I think it’s important for a forward to have his own goal celebration. Growing up, I watched a lot of videos of Zlatan [Ibrahimović], and I remember once when he was at Milan, he kicked the corner flag. I thought I would kick the corner flag one day, too. Since then, I’ve just kept doing it.”
He added:
“I think I gave an interview for the club media, where I asked the fans to go “Boom!” when I kicked the corner flag. They do it now and it’s wonderful.”
If Palace fans put the dots together, his clear admiration for Zlatan Ibrahimovic might explain why the 28-year-old tried to force a move to AC Milan. He nearly joined the Serie A giants in January but failed a medical ahead of a proposed £30m switch to the San Siro.
Mateta’s future is still uncertain despite getting back on good terms with the supporters. Reports claim that Milan might come back in for the striker now that he’s over a knee injury.
“Fight” – Mateta on the Semi-Final
Mateta is likely to lead the line for Palace tonight and he’ll be eager to get on the scoresheet. He and his teammates are just two games away from reaching the Conference League final in Leipzig.
The Frenchman commented on the encounter with Shakhtar:
“We’re already very happy to have made it through to the semi-final. It’s an important step. We’re going to take this semi-final very seriously. It’s very significant indeed and we’ll fight for the trophy.”
Mateta has appeared 42 times across competitions this season, posting 13 goals. He already has an FA Cup winners’ medal to his name and is looking to win his first European trophy.
