Juan Mata says David Moyes made him feel important

Juan Mata: Moyes made me feel important

Juan Mata has revealed that he left Chelsea for Manchester United because Old Trafford boss David Moyes made him “feel important,” and telling him that he will be crucial to the team. Speaking to Canal +, Mata said that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho told him that Manchester United was a good move for him and wished him luck with the move, before revealing his sadness at having to say goodbye to his Chelsea teammates.

“We spoke and he [Mourinho] said that he thought this was a good option for me, and I told him I thought this was a good option for me,” said Mata of the discussions with Mourinho that led to his departure.

“We didn’t speak for long. I wasn’t playing, and to be honest, I am happy when I play football. It’s the thing I like to do the most.”

“He wished me good luck and told me to be good, as did everyone at the club [Chelsea]. I’m very grateful for my time at Chelsea and for all the trophies I have won. We had a fantastic relationship,” continued Mata.

“I had great relationships with several of my teammates. They weren’t just my teammates, but my friends. Fernando [Torres] for example. I was very saddened to tell him I was leaving him.

It was tough to tell him I was going because he is a very important person to me, but we’ll keep in touch we aren’t that far away from each other.”

While Mourinho admitted that Mata was not in his plans, the Spanish playmaker said that his new manager made him feel important, describing Moyes as “a great person.”

“More than anything, he made me feel important and I think that’s fundamental when you arrive at such a big club that has made a huge investment in you.

“It’s nice when the manager tells you “Juan, you’re important to the team and we need you on the ball as much as possible” and that’s what I try to do.

My relationship with him is good, friendly and from the off, he seemed to me to be a great person.”