Following the announcement last month that he will leave Manchester United this summer, Juan Mata has released a video message to the club’s fans.
The reaction to the Spaniard’s departure from Old Trafford was expected, but it still evoked strong feelings among United supporters around the world.
Mata joined David Moyes’ side in January 2014 after being signed from Chelsea and has since worked under four different managers at United.
Mata is one of the nicest guys in football, and his time in red has provided us with a lot of memories.
However, it was in white, United’s away kit, that he had his best performance, as the team traveled to Anfield to face Liverpool. However, after the game, it was given a new name.
“It has taken me some time to process the change that is happening in my life,” Mata said in a video he posted on social media. “This is a message that, for many moments over the last years, I never thought I would be writing but, of course, all good things come to an end and my time as a Manchester United player has just finished.
“It would be impossible for me to express in this text all the feelings that I have been experiencing over the last weeks but, to sum it up, I would like to say I am the proudest man in the world having represented this unique club for the last eight-and-a-half seasons.
“It is something I would never have dreamt of, when I was little, as it felt too distant for a kid in Spain to, one day, play for one of the best clubs in the history of football but, sometimes, reality exceeds dreams.
“As I am writing these lines today, I couldn’t be more grateful with what my career has brought to me, so far, and I am as excited as that little kid about what the future might bring from now on, the same passion for playing football as that kid remains inside of me.
“It goes without saying, I want to thank every staff member who works in the club that makes it so special, every manager, every team-mate I have crossed paths with in my time at Manchester United. We haven’t experienced the best period in the history of the club but I did have some amazing memories along the way, in the form of trophies and special moments together that will stay forever in my mind.
“Thank you all. I will miss you.
“For you, our supporters, I don’t really find words to describe how grateful I am and how special you have made me feel. I feel very loved and this is something neither me, nor my family, can ever be thankful enough for. Manchester is, and will always be, a massive part of my life, on and off the pitch. I really feel like an adopted Mancunian, living here and understanding what it means to be part of this singular place in the world and its culture is something truly special. I feel I belong here.
“I wish nothing but the best to the club and new manager. I really hope this is the start of a new era, full of great football, trophies and enjoyment for you, our fans. It’s nothing more than you deserve and nothing less than what this football club should be about.
“This is not a goodbye but a ‘see you soon’ as I will keep coming back to Manchester, whenever I can. But, for now, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for letting me be a part of your history. I am truly honoured and proud and will always be one of you.”
An emotional farewell for a player who elicited such strong emotions in so many fans.
Mata was a great servant for the club during a difficult period, making 285 appearances and scoring 51 goals.
