Juan Mata to wear No.8, says he's really happy at Manchester United

Juan Mata will be wearing the No.8 jersey at Manchester United. A visibly happy Juan Mata sat alongside David Moyes and addressed the press for the first time as a Manchester United player.

Mata spoke about the difficult time he endured this season at Chelsea, the challenges that lie ahead of him at Manchester United, his World Cup ambitions with Spain and what impressed him most about Manchester United.

Here are excerpts from Mata’s press conference.

On his time at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho

“The last 6 months at Chelsea were difficult for me. Jose is a very good manager. But when United came in it was a great option for me.”

On life at Manchester United

“No, I just wanted to go to a place where I knew I would be happy. I’m really happy now. Man United is a massive club, with the most fans around the world and so it is a big challenge. It is a big step, and everything will be fine with this squad and the players that will come in the summer.”

On picking the No. 8 jersey

“I think No. 8 is a great number. I know that seven is an iconic number here, and I spoke to David [Moyes] about it, but we decided 8 was the number for me.”

On the pressures of being a big money signing for Manchester United

“In the history of the Premier League, United have won the most trophies. I like the pressure, it makes you improve. I’m looking forward to trying my best and making all these amazing fans happy. Looking at the last six months, I wasn’t playing a lot – it is a new challenge for me. I can clear my mind and take the chance I have. This was a massive chance to carry on my career in England.”

On what impressed him the most about United

“What I like the most about this club is the character. If another club was in this position in the league, they would not have the character to get back to first position. They fight until the end. They always try to win titles, fighting for every title and always coming back from difficult moments.”

(jokingly) “What I like the most about Manchester United is that they brought me here by helicopter and that I met De Gea straight away.”

On what the move means for his World Cup ambitions

“It was really important [for my World Cup ambitions]. It is really hard to get into the Spanish squad. It is a great chance to keep playing, keep fit and show to the manager to the national team I want to be there. Now the moment is here, I will try to play as much as I can and help the team. If things are good in the last part of the season, my chances will be good.”

On linking up with Wayne Rooney

“I can’t wait to play alongside him. He is one of the best players in the history of this country – he can score, can assist and come to the midfield to win the ball. He is an unbelievable player. I will try to find to find the gaps on the pitch. I will try to assist the strikers.”