Man United’s Juan Mata felt ‘lucky’ to seal record move to Old Trafford
Juan Mata was Manchester United's record signing before Angel di Maria joined in £59.7m deal last summer
Juan Mata has revealed that he felt “lucky” to complete a £37.1m move to Manchester United last year.
The Spain international is preparing to celebrate the first anniversary of his Old Trafford move after the playmaker joined United in a then club-record deal from Chelsea last January.
Obviously the size of the club and reaction around the world to the transfer was incredible
Juan Mata
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful 12 months at the Red Devils despite playing under three different managers, scoring 11 goals in 34 Premier League appearances.
Speaking to United’s website, Mata lifted the lid what it felt like to be United’s club-record signing before he was usurped by Angel Di Maria, who commanded a British-record £57.9m fee.
“I was very excited about everything. Obviously you feel very lucky to come here in a transfer like that and I just wanted to give back all this confidence[shown in me] on the pitch.
“The welcome was unbelievable from everyone at the club – the staff, the players, the fans, everyone who works for United.
“Obviously the size of the club and reaction around the world to the transfer was incredible. It was a bit like “whoa, it’s a massive club.”
Mata signed a four-year deal with United following his big-money from their bitter rivals Chelsea after he was deemed surplus to requirement by Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
The former Valencia man won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup during a two-and-a-half year stay at Stamford Bridge.
