'I don't care': Ex Crystal Palace and Man Utd man hits back at critics over latest transfer

Former Crystal Palace and Manchester United forward Wilfried Zaha has insisted that he 'doesn't care' about criticism following a move to Charlotte FC in the MLS.

The 32-year-old signed on a season-long loan deal from Galatasaray last month, having spent the first half of the season on loan at Lyon. It's been a tricky time for the Eagles legend, who only made six appearances in France, five of which coming as a substitute.

Zaha had been linked with a move back to the Premier League last summer with Crystal Palace and West Ham linked, already not part of the plans at Galatasaray following his 2023 move. The winger will now try his luck under Dean Smith at Charlotte FC, where he fills a Designated Player spot - a system which allows MLS clubs to sign up to three players who would be outside the outfit's salary cap.

Ex Crystal Palace man defends latest transfer

The MLS season kicks off this weekend with Charlotte FC taking on Seattle Sounders and, ahead of the league opener, Zaha has backed his decision to move to the United States. Speaking in a press conference, he said: "It made sense to me. My thing is, with how my career has gone and places I've gone, when I went to Turkey everyone said, 'Oh my god, why would you go there?'

"I don't care what other people think. I go where I feel I want to go and make my own history. That's my mentality. I never follow anyone. Once I spoke to Dean the manager and people, I was like, that's my destination."

“I’m not much of a talker — my thing is I try to lead by example. I don’t tend to blab and blame and talk about how good I am or what I’m going to do, because you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. The only way I can prove how good I am is on the pitch.”

Zaha is a proven Premier League goalscorer with 68 top flight goals to his name. He has made 450 appearances for Crystal Palace over his career, being named the side's Player of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Zaha’s fond farewell to Crystal Palace

Speaking when leaving the club last summer, the player said: "As I start a new chapter I want to speak to you Palace fans who mean so much to me.

"We have been through so much together, including 10 years in the Prem. There are loads of amazing memories that will stay in my head forever and also some really tough times along the way, but I'm so proud to have played my part in getting us to the Prem and helping to keep us there.

"I've been wearing the Palace shirt since I was eight years old, it's literally been my second skin and I always gave EVERYTHING when I wore it.”

In other news, a Crystal Palace defender has hinted at a potential summer exit from Selhurst Park as he enjoys some long-needed minutes on loan in the Championship.