Chelsea Player of the Year and fan favourite Juan Mata insists that he’s not going anywhere despite reported interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The rumours linking Mata with a £30 million exit has been irking Chelsea fans that see reports originating from the likes of Marca and AS as a deliberate attempt by the Spanish media to unsettle the player.
Mata isn’t fooled:
“I don’t know where that came from.
“The last time I spoke with the club they told me I was a very important player to them and transmitted confidence in me.
“I’m sure Mourinho will want to see everyone first and then decide what he wants to do.
“I only have good words for Real Madrid. I was there for four years and they brought me up, both as a player and a person.
“I have many friends there and I’m very grateful to the club. But I’ve spent two great years in London and the only thing I’m thinking about now is continuing to enjoy this league and this city that I love.”
Perhaps the most annoying part of the stories was the Spanish press’ claim that Jose Mourinho does not want the player at Chelsea and they had clashed despite the fact they’ve yet to meet as manager and player, and Mata is currently in Brazil with the Spain squad competing in the FIFA Confederations Cup. Like Mourinho would want to get rid of the best player in the team anyway.
“You have to know people first before you can evaluate them. After the holidays and after I’ve rested I’ll meet the new boss and I’m sure things will go well.”
Before Mourinho was appointed we were expecting this sort of baggage to follow him as his relationship with the media in Spain deteriorated and it was always likely that they were going to do everything to get at the Portuguese coach. There’s nothing fans can do but grin and bear it as the club won’t be drawn into commenting on speculation.
Mata is deeply ingrained into the culture of London and Chelsea as a football club by his own admission so it’s safe to say he’ll remain a Blue for a good while yet. He scored 20 goals and made 35 assists last season, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the team shapes up in the coming season.
Source: Mirror
