Juan Mata has completed a club record £37.1million transfer to Manchester United, and admitted he couldn’t turn down such a move.
The Spaniard had been an instrumental player for Chelsea before this season, when Jose Mourinho largely relegated him to substitute status and instead opted for the creative trio of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian. This was seen as a bizarre decision by most, considering Mata’s record of 28 assists and 32 goals in two seasons.
However, with the Blues well in contention for glory in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup, Mourinho deemed the twice-club Player of the Year as surplus to requirements. United had shown an interest in the 25-year-old during the summer, but were unable to persuade the Londoners to sell.
Yet it is a different tale this month, after an offer of £37.1million was accepted by the Stamford Bridge club last week. Mata was in Manchester on Saturday to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms, and this didn’t take too long as he was official unveiled as the Reds record signing towards the end of the evening.
“I am thrilled to be joining United,” said Mata. “I have enjoyed some very happy years at Chelsea but the time has come for a new challenge. United is the perfect place for me and I am excited at the chance I have to be part of the next phase in the club’s history. Chelsea is a top club and I have many friends there but you cannot turn down the chance to join Manchester United. I look forward to helping the manager and the team be successful in the coming years.”
This signing will offer David Moyes and his club a huge boost during what has been a difficult season. United are currently 14 points behind Arsenal in their bid to retain the title, whilst they were knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round stage. And last week, Sunderland beat them on penalties in the League Cup semi-final.
United are still in the UEFA Champions League, where they will face Greek side Olympiakos over two legs for a place in the quarter-final. However, Mata will be unable to help them in their quest for a fourth crown, as he is cup-tied having featured in two of Chelsea’s group matches this season.
