Overview

• Mateta is in camp at Clairefontaine after being named to his first senior squad last week, with France set to face Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes on Friday.
• He said he learned of his selection on television during Crystal Palace’s trip to Poland and immediately shared the news with his family.
• According to Mateta, Didier Deschamps told him the call-up was deserved and encouraged him to feel comfortable within the group.
• Mateta said Thierry Henry phoned to congratulate him and continues to advise him following their work together at the Olympics.
• He described this opportunity as a step toward a longer-term role with Les Bleus and said the World Cup is on his mind.