James McArthur on Crystal Palace departure, Eberechi Eze’s England call up and praise for Wilf Zaha and Roy Hodgson

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

After his 253rd appearance for Crystal Palace last Sunday, midfielder James McArthur ended his career for the Eagles. Following the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park, the 35-year-old gave his last-ever interview as a Palace player to the South London Press and talked about a variety of topics.

“For someone to come in and have the impact they had on the team, it’s quite scary,” said McArthur about the influence of attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze on the team from SE25 this season.

The 24-year-old Greenwich-born Eze ended the season with 10 goals and an England call-up and despite former Scotland midfielder McArthur ending his career with the Eagles on Sunday afternoon he was excited about the future of the team he is leaving behind, thanks to the quality on offer from Eze and others.

“When he first came in, he was someone that had expectation on him, but he exceeded everyone’s expectation and in the changing room,” explained McArthur, who won the FA Cup with Wigan before joining Palace in September 2014 under then manager Neil Warnock.

“This last year, probably, has been pretty frustrating for him to be honest, but the last three or four months he’s shown everyone what he can do in a Palace shirt. He’s not only been one of our best players but one of the best players in the league and we all had that feeling [he could].

“I spoke to Ebs as well about, not underperforming, but not showing what we know he can do and what he’s doing now it’s a real pleasure to watch him.”

When asked if Eze needs to move up a level when he attends his first England training session later this month, McArthur said: “I don’t think he needs to step up. If he goes and does what he can do, at the same level that he trains week in, week out, he’ll be a stand out.

“He’s got so much talent that if he plays with that confidence that he’s got now then he’ll go into that squad and the manager will be very impressed with him. Obviously, with my experience of [my] first (Scotland) training session, [there was] adrenaline, trying to impress, [but] my advice to Ebs would be to just do what you’re doing. Don’t try and do anything different, [just] express yourself and play with that smile on his face.”

One player who may also not be in SE25 next season is Wilfried Zaha, who currently lies third in the all-time Palace appearance list.

Out of contract this summer, there has not been any update on if he will stay or leave the club, but McArthur was keen to heap praise on someone who he has grown very close to.

“He’s one of the ones that you’re going to miss as well. Spending that long with someone you do create that bond,” said McArthur. “I gave him a text, a nice text, saying how much I am going to miss him; the good times that we shared, but also the arguments, the pushing each other, the driving each other. He’s a real leader and competitor and he’s one of the main reasons why this club is still in the Premier League.

“It was him that sent me a nice one (text) first,” he added with a smile. “But we’ve got that lovely, nice relationship where we both appreciate each other’s effort and each other’s different qualities.”

With Eagles manager Roy Hodgson also out of contract this summer, it could be a period of change for the side from Selhurst Park, however, the 75-year-old, despite all the players managed over a six-decade career, singled out McArthur as a “perfect professional” in his final pre-match media conference ahead of the Forest game.

“It’s nice, for someone who has done so much in the game – and is well-respected and well-regarded – to say nice words about you, it’s obviously a nice feeling,” said the Scottish midfielder about Hodgson’s quotes.

“I would like to say some nice things back about him. The job that he done while I was here before he left (in 2021) was unbelievable for my career and probably a big reason why I’m still here – it helped shape my time at Crystal Palace.

“To then come back (in March) and him and Ray Lewington do what they’ve done again with a team that [was] probably playing with no confidence through a lack of results, to get so much from a team that was lacking in confidence, to now a team that’s thriving.

“We’ve got a lot of young lads in the team with so much talent and I think he’s bringing the best out of that talent.”

Just under two hours after the final whistle had sounded after the Forest game, McArthur reflected on leaving the home dressing room at Selhurst Park for the last time with his future career move still undecided.

“It’s okay, I thought it would have been a bit more emotional but I think I’m just trying to appreciate everything that I’ve had at this club; the great relationships that I’ve created with the lads and just try to take every moment in really,” said the player, who started his football career at Hamilton Academical.

“I was saying to the lads in there (changing room) that, in football, the greatest feeling is winning football matches and I will miss that, but I think what I’m going to miss the most about here is the lads and the staff. Having the laughs, taking the piss, [but] enjoying every single day. It’s been a pleasure to go in, train and work hard, but have that smile on your face.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD