Juan Mata completed his Manchester United record transfer deal on
Saturday night. The former Chelsea player had been on the fringes since
the arrival of Jose Mourinho from Real Madrid despite being the best
player for two consecutive years prior to the Portuguese arrival.
The Spaniard after completing his transfer for more first team
football has written an emotional goodbye letter to the Chelsea fans who
supported him during his stay at Stamford Bridge.
Juan Mata wrote after switching London for Manchester:
“Hi everyone, As you can imagine this is a very important day in my
life, and with these lines I would like to express the memories and
emotions that come to me as I write. This letter is written from my
heart, and first of all I would like to say that I will never forget all
the affection given to me by the Chelsea fans.
From the very first day until the last. With your support and
affection I have grown up as a player and I have had an amazing time
both on and off the pitch. I will always feel the gratitude towards you.
Always. No words are enough to give back all the things I have
received.
There has been plenty of good moments: the FA Cup, my first trophy as
a Blue; the immense happiness of winning titles for the first time in
the club’s history, such as that magical Champions League night in
Munich and the Europa League…
On the other hand, I have experienced some complicated situations
from a personal point of view, mainly during the last six months. Every
message I got through the social media, every nice word you have said to
me on the street, and of course, your support in the stadium, has made
me feel incredibly proud of the Chelsea fans; you deserve a team like
the one you’ve got, with so many fantastic players.
I won’t forget the faith you put in me when I was given the player of
the year award the last two seasons. I feel really proud and I will
never forget those nights. Thank you so much for the way you have
treated me, you have been unbelievable.
I hope you understand that after going through a complicated and, for
me, new situation in the last few months, I believe this is the best
choice in order to carry on with my football career and to keep enjoying
this sport.
Before last summer, my intention was to stay here for a long time; as
long as the club wanted me to, and to keep winning trophies for Chelsea
FC. This is how happy I was in the club and in the city. However, as
you all know, things changed after the preseason.
From feeling like an important player, I started to experience some
difficult situations and I felt unable to help the team to the extent
that I wanted and was used to. Obviously, I fully respect the
circumstances. Football is a team sport and it’s not easy to play
regularly in such a good squad.
In sports you may win or lose, but the most important thing is to
give everything. I hope you know and feel that I have always done so. In
every game, in every training session, without exception. I have always
tried my best for the club. I would like to emphasise the affection,
admiration and respect that I’ve had for my former team mates since the
first day. I want to thank the captains for their help and understanding
at all times.
They made me feel comfortable when I arrived and they have supported
me throughout the difficult times this season. I thank all my former
team mates for these two and a half years and I wish them the best,
personally and professionally, for the future. Of course I have been
closer to some of them, but the most important thing is that my years in
Chelsea have left me with great friends. Friends forever, football
rivalries aside.
I also want to highlight the day-to-day job of every member of the
Chelsea staff: medical team, kit men, staff at Cobham and Stamford
Bridge, media and marketing department, Chelsea TV team… All of them are
very important in making this club a great one. Thank you for your
treatment and your efforts to make the life of the players easier.
Furthermore, thanks to every manager I have had the pleasure to work
with during my time here.
They have all been a big help for my progression as a player. I have
always respected their decisions, whatever they were; they made me more
mature and a stronger person. You learn from everything, and certain
situations make you think about other team mates who are coping with
similar situations more regularly. Thank you Andre for giving me the
opportunity to join Chelsea FC. Without your support, none of this would
have happened.
To Robbie and Rafa, for their unlimited trust in me. And to Jose, for
making me a stronger player, because in difficult moments, I have
learnt to remain positive and to keep working hard. Lastly, I want to
thank the Club, and in particular its owner, Roman Abramovich, for
trusting me and making an important investment when signing me. Also for
their understanding regarding my situation over the last months.
I’m very glad to have been part of the squad that made his and our dream
come true: winning the Champions League on that unforgettable night in
Munich. Additionally, my years in Chelsea have been profitable for the
club, which I’m very pleased about. I want to make clear that the stage
that now comes to an end has been extremely important for me, personally
and professionally.
Although many of you, like myself, never thought this moment would
come, this is football and a new chapter is about to begin. I would have
liked to say good bye to all of you in the stadium, or in a press
conference, but it has not been possible. I’m sure, i will be able to do
it in the future, because is what you deserve.
Evidently, today is a day of mixed feelings, remembering the past and
looking forward to the future and what it has to bring. I look forward
to being happy and to enjoy what I like the most: play football. I will
never forget my time in Chelsea and the affection I take with me, I will
keep forever. I wish you the best. A big hug to all of you. THANK YOU
so much, Juan.”
