Manchester United's record new signing Juan Mata gives his first interview.
How does it feel to finally be a Manchester United player?
It's a very happy day for me, meeting my team-mates, the manager,
seeing the training ground. It's a massive club and I feel very proud to
be here.
What went through your mind when you heard of United's interest?
I thought, 'wow'! This is a team that has won a lot of leagues in the
history of the Premier League and English league. It's amazing knowing
that a club like Manchester United is interested in you. It's a good
feeling.
So many great players have come to this club but you are the record signing. Do you relish the pressure that brings?
I know it is a big price but I'm confident that everything is going to
be okay. I will try my best as I always have done. The squad and the
manager are very good and the fans are unbelievable – we have everything
to be successful.
You had a wonderful time at Chelsea and
were player of the season in the last two years – are you surprised to
be here in a way because it's very rare for big clubs to sell players to
their rivals?
To be honest it is a bit surprising. But I have
to say I'm really grateful to Chelsea, to the owner, everyone who works
at the club and the fans - they voted me the best player in the last two
seasons and I will always be grateful. They have been amazing with me.
The last six months were difficult as I didn't play as much as I wanted
to. I understand it’s a team sport so I respected that situation. But
the chance to come to Manchester United was a great moment for me to
carry on with my career and join another massive club.
David De Gea was waiting for you when you arrived - what has he told you about life here?
He has been texting me in the last few days saying, 'when are coming,
when are you landing?!' 'Are you coming by helicopter or by bicycle?!' I
am here now and I am very happy to be here, particularly with David
because he is a very good friend, an amazing goalkeeper and a top guy.
He was important for me in terms of coming here.
How excited
are you by the prospect of linking up with the likes of Wayne Rooney,
Robin van Persie and Adnan Januzaj to name a few?
Obviously for a
player like me who is trying to score goals, assist goals and be a
creative player it's going to be amazing to play with those kinds of
players. Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Adnan, Valencia, Chicharito,
Welbeck... they are all top-level players and I will try to do the best
for the team.
What do you think is your best position?
First of all playing! [Laughs] I love to play. I think I can play in
the three positions behind the striker. I played on the left when I
arrived at Chelsea, this season I have played on the right and last
season, which was probably the best season of my career, I played behind
the striker. But it doesn't matter as long as I play.
You've already won an incredible amount of trophies in your career, but what do you want to achieve here?
I would like to win the Premier League. It's a very special trophy for
every player that plays in this country. At this club I believe you can
achieve anything. I will try my best. I am still young and have been
lucky to win some trophies, but I want to win a lot more.
The
manager has said he is keen for you to be involved in the Cardiff game
on Tuesday - what will it mean to you to run out at Old Trafford as a
United player?
Old Trafford is an unbelievable stadium to play
football at. I have been here two or three times but always with rivals
and now I have the chance to play there as my home. It's going to be
different but it will be great because I know how incredible the fans
are there.
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