As the goals keep piling up for Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace, he’s now explained why he’s always saying “fantastic” post-game.
For Crystal Palace, the past few months have been simply phenomenal with some of the best football many have ever witnessed at Selhurst Park being played.
While Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze rightfully deserve a lot of the plaudits for this, there’s one man who has gone from zero to hero.
READ MORE: Who is Michael Olise? The Crystal Palace wonderkid that Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City missed
This is Jean-Philippe Mateta, and the big Frenchman is on fire right now, being among the best strikers in the Premier League this side of the January transfer window.
While banging in the goals, he’s also become something of a cult hero with his catchphrases and theme. Now he’s explained exactly why he keeps saying “Fantastic”.
Why does Mateta keep saying fantastic after Crystal Palace win?
During the recent unbeaten run, it has become a regularity that a video would soon emerge of Mateta saying “Fantastique”, which is French for Fantastic.
Now though, Mateta has explained the origin behind this which we are all no doubt wondering.
Speaking to BBC Sport’s Alex Howell, Mateta explained: “It’s from the second coach of Roy [Hodgson] – Ray [Lewington].
“When Ray would do meetings he would say: ‘This is fantastic, lads.’ I always say it in training to the goalkeeping coaches, Dean Kiely and Paddy [McCarthy], for fun and they are laughing at this.
“I just like it when the atmosphere is good around the dressing room. We do the best job in the world – you can’t be sad or angry all the time.
“Yes, when you lose, it’s OK. But when you are with your teammates or the gaffer, for me the atmosphere has to be good.”
This along with the ‘boom’ chant and Venga Boys song have helped make Mateta a real favourite at Palace in such a short period of time.
Mateta seems to have fallen in love with the Eagles
Despite rumours ahead of January suggesting that he wanted to depart, Mateta now looks settled and recent Napoli rumours may be just that as the Frenchman seems happy at Palace.
He’s said in the aforementioned report to love the fans and how they sing about him while he’s playing, especially after he scores.
The end to this campaign has been incredible for not only Mateta but everyone associated with Palace and it’s a real shame that only one game remains.
Mateta could play a big role in this new era at Palace which seems destined to continue rising next season, so hopefully, he remains in place and doesn’t leave.