Juan Mata lifts lid on frantic day of his Man United transfer

Juan Mata has lifted the lid on the hectic hours before and after his big-money transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United.

The 25-year-old playmaker completed his £37.1m move to United on Saturday evening and is understood to have signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the defending champions.

I have to say that the reception from the club, team mates, manager and fans has been superb

Juan Mata

Mata zipped up to United’s Carrington training base by helicopter before signing his new contract and taking part in his first training session with the Red Devils.

“As you can imagine I haven’t had time to spare,” Mata wrote on his blog on grada360.com.

“After flying from London by helicopter and having a fantastic reception I spent the day completing my medical and, later, I signed the contract.

“On Sunday, I met my new team mates and I had my first training session with them. By the way, the facilities at the Carrington training ground are top level. Spectacular!”

He continued: “Now I’m starting this new road, full of excitement and looking forward to keep enjoying football, and I have to say that the reception from the club, team mates, manager and fans has been superb.

“I feel even more motivated to face this wonderful challenge! I’m very happy I have the opportunity to be in a team with amazing players who have won so many trophies.”

Mata is in line to make his United debut when the Red Devils take on Cardiff City at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

And the Spain international admits that he cannot wait to line up alongside his new team-mates.

“We have a game tomorrow and it could be my debut with the local team at Old Trafford, something I will never forget,” he continued.

“I’m very looking forward to try my best in order to help the team and to enjoy every single day in this new chapter of my life.”