Jean-Philippe Mateta has opened up on Crystal Palace's decision to keep him following his links to Aston Villa in the summer.

According to a report from Express Sport, Villa made an approach to the Eagles in the summer but were rebuffed in their approach. Palace instructed interested parties that they did not want to sell him, amid links of a move to AS Roma and Napoli also.

Towards the end of August, it was claimed by Express Sport that contract talks between Palace and Mateta had broken down. The 27-year-old wanted to play Champions League football 'as soon as possible' but for the next four months at least, he will be playing his football at Selhurst Park.

Mateta, who has two years left on his contract, has reaffirmed his commitment to the South London club, and is focused on helping them improve on their position from last season. Palace are winless from their opening three games, having lost against Brentford and West Ham, whilst drawing at Chelsea before the international break.

"I am someone who is realistic," said Mateta to L'Equipe.

"The club didn't want to sell me, so I move on and I give everything to the team to help us get better results than those we achieved last year. And when it is the right time to ask those questions, we'll ask them

"In football, you have to adapt quickly, concentrate on the upcoming deadlines and not dwell on the past."

Mateta, signed for a reported PS9m from Mainz, had a decent campaign as well. The 27-year-old hit 19 goals in 39 games, which included a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Villa on the final day of the season.

Jhon Duran was linked with a move away with Chelsea, Newcastle United, and West Ham all holding an interest. The Colombian forward remained at Villa Park, and so it remains to be seen whether Villa would reignite their interest in Mateta, or whether he was being eyed as a potential replacement for Duran.