Juan Mata denied humorous rumours ahead of his Manchester United departure that Cristiano Ronaldo 's influence over the Red Devils’ squad led to a full-scale evasion of the dessert menu.
The Spanish midfielder was confirmed to be saying farewell to the Red Devils on Thursday afternoon - his eight-year spell at Old Trafford coming to an end amid the expiry of his contract. The 34-year-old is one of the longest serving players in the current squad and has been a huge influence under a succession of managers.
A fellow experienced campaigner alongside Mata this season has been Ronaldo - the Portuguese enjoying a profitable season back at the club following his emotional return from Juventus. Despite that, there have been rumours that the former Real Madrid superstar managed to rub-off on his Red Devils' colleagues, with suggestions that he had caused teammates to stop eating dessert at the club’s Carrington Training Centre.
However, Mata brushed off those amusing claims ahead of leaving Old Trafford. Speaking last month, he said: “There was banter between tables, but nothing serious. Cristiano does a very logical thing over a holiday, he invests his energy, his effort and his time in his well-being.
“I mean, it makes total sense to try and be the best you can be in your body and mind, not only to play football, but to live a healthier and better life. That's what he does."
Despite Mata now advanced in his years, he suggested that he has still learned plenty from Ronaldo during the pair’s time together as colleagues. He continued: “Disregarding if he plays better or worse, if he scores or not, he always does the same thing before and after the game. So for him, the game is just the most important part of his day.
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"That's something I can look at. He's like, 'this is the right thing to do because that way you get into the game with more confidence in yourself. I've done everything I could to play good. I'm going to play good'. He's a great example with how he prepares for games."
Mata originally signed for Manchester United during the 2014 January transfer window in the middle of David Moyes’ short spell at the helm. He has gone on to make 285 appearances for the club, winning the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Following confirmation of his exit, he sent a message to supporters with an emotional video message posted on the club’s official Twitter account. He said: “From here, from the middle of the pitch at Old Trafford, at night. I’m alone. Actually, this feels like a dream.
"I wanted to say thank you very much to all of you for your support over the years and especially during the difficult times that we lived together
“I will never forget you. Thank you very much. All the best from the bottom of my heart and goodbye.”
