Juan Mata: I didn’t expect to settle in at Chelsea so quickly

Juan Mata admits he was surprised by how quickly he has adapted to life at Chelsea after joining the west Londoners from Valencia last summer.

The 24-year-old Spaniard has been one of the Blues’ stand-out performers of late and won plenty of new admirers following an impressive debut season in the Premier League.

Mata has carried his fine form into the new season and has already netted four goals and provided seven assists for his team-mates.

And he admits he was pleasantly surprised by how quickly he was able to adapt to the rigours of the English top flight following his move from La Liga.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect it. It was my first season in England and everything came quickly,” Mata told France Football.

“I immediately found my mark, thanks to my team-mates. I was lucky to score a goal in my very first match. Then, I had fun.

“I came to Chelsea because I wanted to win trophies, and in my first season, I got two, notably the first Champions League in the club’s history.”