Crystal Palace forward Matheus Franca has revealed a combination of using God as his therapist and motivation from the birth of his son have helped him return from his injury nightmare at Selhurst Park.
ESPN Brazil have a long interview with the forward today in which he discusses his struggles at Crystal Palace to date and how he’s avoided being dragged down by them.
The 21-year-old joined Crystal Palace in a €20m deal in August 2023 but has so far managed just 16 appearances for the club.
That’s been due to injuries with a fractured rib suffered in March 2024 seeing him spend 332 days on the treatment table and missing 40 games for Crystal Palace in total.
It’s been a frustrating period for him, particularly as he’s had to watch from the sidelines as the Eagles have gone from strength to strength under Oliver Glasner.
He’s now back and bagged his first Premier League goal in the 1-1 draw with Southampton, a strike he’ll be hoping is the first of many.
It’s been a long road back to full fitness and he insists he’s got to this point thanks to God, and his new born son.
“At first it was really difficult, maybe a little negative, but what motivated me the most was knowing that my son was coming. He is my source of inspiration,” he said.
“When I started playing again, the first thing I thought about was scoring a goal for my son. I’m very happy with the moment I’m living, with the birth of my son, my birthday and now my first goal in the Premier League. I can only thank God. This whirlwind of emotions is very good for me.
“My psychological help at that moment was God. I’ve already done therapy and stuff, but at that moment it wasn’t what I needed.
“It was very difficult, but God was my therapist at that moment. Even though I was hurt, I never stopped praising God for everything he has done in my life, which has been nothing but blessings.
“I’m feeling good physically and mentally. I’m improving every day in training, and I hope to play more minutes and be able to show the Matheus França that played at Flamengo. To be able to show them here who Matheus França is too.”
