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FourFourTwo
Sport
Matthew Holt

'There wasn’t much communication': Juan Mata opens up on his dramatic Chelsea exit

Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata.

Juan Mata has revealed all on his tedious relationship with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

The 36-year-old left Stamford Bridge to join Manchester United back in 2014, having fallen out of favour with the then Blues boss.

Having established himself as a fan favourite following his move from Valencia three years prior, Mata is saddened his time at the club was cut so short.

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"I suffered an injury in pre-season and when I came back, Mourinho already had his team," began the former Galatasaray man, speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo

"It was always for football reasons. I understood that the way I played didn’t fit in with his idea. It was a difficult moment in my career, because I went from enjoying it to the maximum to being relegated to another role.

"On that occasion it didn’t happen, although it’s normal for a player to ask for explanations: “What am I doing wrong? Why don’t I play more?” In our case there wasn’t much communication, neither from Mourinho nor from me. 

"It wasn’t a long time – just a few months until Manchester United arrived in the winter transfer window. However, one of the things I’m most proud of is that, when we met again in Manchester years later, I was able to stay at Old Trafford and be important for Mourinho there. 

"We didn’t speak then about what happened at Chelsea; we talked about the present, about Spanish football, about London, but not about that. In fact, we got to have a relationship – a relationship that we still have – which was much closer than in our time together at Chelsea."

Juan Mata and Jose Mourinho during their time together at Chelsea. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Having left for Manchester in a shrewd manner, Mata was also asked whether he really felt Old Trafford was the best destination for him to try and reignite his career.

"Yes, because I saw that I didn’t have and wasn’t going to get the minutes that I was sure I would have in Manchester," he added.

"When a club like Manchester United comes knocking on your door, it’s difficult to say no. Old Trafford was different. 

"It has a great history, and the feeling of belonging to that club is a beautiful thing. There are few chosen clubs but Manchester United are one of them."

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