Juan Mata speaks on his Chelsea future and winning more trophies

Juan Mata of Spain in action during the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Semi Final match between Spain and Italy at Castelao on June 27, 2013 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Spaniard Juan Mata has easily been Chelsea’s best player in the last two years. He was linked with several clubs like Manchester United, PSG, and Valencia in this transfer window. For those who want a few laughs, there was even talk of Arsenal and Tottenham being interested in him.

Mata has now spoken about his future (probably for the first time since the transfer window closed) and has pledged his future to Chelsea.

Speaking to Chelsea TV, Mata said:

“My only aim is to play here, grow as a player and do as good a season as the last two which were amazing for me.

“I’ve had plenty of rest and now I’m feeling really good. The best thing for me is to play because I love to play.”

Signed from Valencia, Mata has looked like one of the bargains of this decade at just £24 million. Yet, the rumours about his Chelsea future that surfaced after Mourinho took over has never really died down. Mata has been incredibly successful playing as the attacking midfielder just behind the striker.

Immediately after taking over, Mourinho said that he had a different role for the 25-year-old and that was to play in the wings. This to me saw the start of the rumours, as everyone (including me) suspected that Mourinho did not have a lot of confidence in Mata.

“I’m looking forward to achieving as many trophies as we did the last two seasons and hopefully this is going to be a good season for us again.

“It’s been a very, very good two seasons for me here, maybe the best of my career, and what I want this season is the same.” – added Mata

For his part, Mourinho has said that Mata has been playing non-stop (because of club and international commitments) in the last two years. He did appear tired and rusty against Aston Villa – his last appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

Mourinho on Mata’s Chelsea future:

“Everything is clear between me and the player. We have no problems. I think he’s a very important player for us. He wants to be a very important player for us.

“He wants to stay. I want him to stay, the club want him to stay. There is no story.”

He has not been with the Spain squad for this international break, as Vicente del Bosque has left him out and Fernando Torres on grounds of being tired.

Chelsea’s next match is against Everton at Goodison Park on September 14. Mata should make a return to the first-team for this match.