Juan Mata

[sdrcfc 461]

Shit, I've reached my limit for this month so I can't see it.

Any chance you could paste it in here for us mate?

For the many inconsolable Chelsea supporters, Juan Mata was not just an employee of their football club. Mata was an emblem of how footballers should be, playing with flair and behaving with dignity. There were no tattoos or tantrums with Mata, no bling or sulking. Just goals, assists, trophies, smiles and now memories.

Chelsea fans trust Jose Mourinho’s judgment, and listen intently to all the tactical talk of Oscar’s greater all-round effectiveness, but sadness flows across the stands of Stamford Bridge that Mata has been sold toManchester United.

He was twice the club’s player of the year, influential in winning the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League during his 30 months in SW6. He was a role model for younger players, a man with a thirst for knowledge and degree course, a gifted, unostentatious footballer respected by away fans. Juan Mata was Gianfranco Zola with a Spanish passport.

Chelsea fans liked that Mata loved their city, exploring it, marvelling at the Seven Dials pillar on the cusp of Covent Garden, browsing through the markets of Camden and Portobello. He took the Tube around town and a car to Cobham, eventually working out the roundabouts.

Those whose second home is the Matthew Harding Upper and Lower, the Shed and all rows in between will miss the way Mata always wanted to share a goal celebration with them, seeking them out away from home, leaping up and doing that airborne punch as when scoring with a low strike against Tottenham Hotspur. Some already denigrate his name, calling him a traitor, particularly with the pictures of his arriving at United, but the majority simply wish him well and thanks for the memories.

They will miss his professionalism. Mata’s desire to get on the pitch, doing what he loves most, making a ball dance and giving value for his weekly wages, acquired added urgency with the imminent World Cup yet he never complained at being overlooked by Mourinho. In interviews, he carefully avoided any comment that could be interpreted as criticism of the head coach, the boss. Supporters felt for him, holding up placards reading “Jose, Mata belongs on the field, not on the bench”, although they knew Mourinho had won the debate.

Oscar was the Special One’s chosen one, his real “No 10” whatever number Mata wore on his back, playing with such conviction in that central role. Eden Hazard, strong and lightning quick, was even in better form out wide. Willian had gradually absorbed the tactical commands of Mourinho. All three contributed far more defensively than Mata.

For Mourinho, Mata did not press relentlessly or directly enough. He did not tackle like Oscar, who looks frail but piles in for the ball.

“Many are saddened that Jose couldn’t find a role for Juan,” David Johnstone, editor of the fanzine cfcuk, said. “He desperately wanted to stay. But with Eden, Oscar and Willian in such fine form it was almost inevitable he would be the one left in the wilderness.’’

A keen backpacker, this is still not the type of wilderness Mata enjoys. He had to leave. The fee – £37 million – has been questioned in certain quarters, slightly bizarrely as United are obtaining a fabulous footballer and a faultless ambassador for the club.

This is a footballer who speaks frequently of his “duty”, who invariably obliged fans’ requests at Chelsea. “I once asked Juan for one of his match-worn shirts for my godsons,” Johnstone said.

“He happily said ‘yes’ and the next time I saw him after a game at Stamford Bridge, he gave me a shirt with his signature on the number on the back.’’ Mata had not forgotten. “The shirt has pride of place in the two boys’ collection of Chelsea memorabilia.” Many other Chelsea fans will tell similar stories of Mata’s kindness.

Typical Mata. Being polite. Being respectful to others. He knows what it is like to ask for shirts. During his time as a youth player at Real Madrid, Mata was ordered by his sister, an admirer of David Beckham, to ask the Englishman for his shirt. Being a similarly generous character, Beckham duly obliged.

Mata also watched how Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Xabi Alonso conducted themselves around the Spanish camp, admiring their class as people as well as players.

Their humility also defines Mata. With Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez, Mata was the heartbeat of the Spanish Under-21 side that triumphed in the juniors’ 2011 euros. A year earlier, Mata took possession of a World Cup winner’s medal yet he willingly dropped down to the Under-21s, calling it “an important part of my development”. Such a sensible, career-minded stance contrasts with the arrogance of certain young English players.

Players respect Mata. When he faced his old Valencia team-mates in the Champions League in 2011, the midfielder Tino Costa remarked that “the whole squad feel affection for Juan”.

Cobham staged some emotional farewells last week from players who took to Mata the moment he launched himself into the “Macarena” as part of his initiation in 2011. He also gained their respect when recovering determinedly from a brutal introduction to English football, being stamped on by Sunderland’s Phil Bardsley in his second game. Even when Mourinho arrived, and Mata was benched, his popularity in the dressing room never took a back seat.

United have bought a special talent. Analysis of his full seasons at Chelsea show he scored in big moments, in his first season (2011-12) against Bayer Leverkusen, against Arsenal, in the west London derbies against Fulham and Queens Park Rangers, in away games at Napoli and Spurs. He delivered the corner from which Didier Drogba forced extra time in the Champions League final in Munich, although a surprisingly poor kick in the shoot-out was saved by Manuel Neuer.

The following season, 2012-13, Mata continued to score important goals, against Arsenal, at Spurs, against United, at Upton Park, at the Stadium of Light, against Arsenal again, against United again; 13 of his 20 goals were scored away from the Bridge fortress. In the final of the Europa League, Mata curled in the corner from which Branislav Ivanovic scored. As Ivanovic celebrated, kneeling and arms aloft, a beaming Mata ran to embrace him. Few smiled as broadly as Mata.

With dead-ball and moving, Mata is a menace. Although David de Gea pulled off an amazing one-handed save from Mata’s 25-yard free kick at the Bridge in February 2012, United’s keeper will be relieved not to be facing his fellow countryman on match-days again.

Mata sent an unstoppable volley from an impossibly tight angle past De Gea (in that 3-3 Bridge thriller in February 2012) and also succeeded with a curling free kick (in a 3-2 defeat eight months later). All of these strikes were left-footed, but he has worked on his right as Arsenal’s Lukasz Fabianski discovered to his cost last October.

Mata’s anticipation and acceleration can give him a start on markers, beating William Gallas to score at Spurs in October 2012, a two-goal display dubbed the Juan Mata Show. Throughout his time at Chelsea, the bearded wonder provided assist after assist, including a perfectly-judged pass to send Hazard through against Norwich City and a cross to Fernando Torres against Rubin Kazan. His Premier League record to date shows 27 assists and 18 goals from 82 games. The numbers highlight his class as a player.

The last word on Mata has to go to a Chelsea fan. “Juan was one of the nicest amongst a bunch of Chelsea footballers who are, on the whole, very nice guys,” Johnstone said. “He was articulate, intelligent and thoughtful. He always had time for those who followed Chelsea. Over the years, we’ve seen many of our idols leave Stamford Bridge for pastures new. But Juan is one of only a few who’ve departed leaving us with a feeling of despair and thoughts of ‘what might have been’ had he stayed.’’

[The Mak 4,459]

Cheers mate!

[didierforever 7,349]

Shit, I've reached my limit for this month so I can't see it.

Any chance you could paste it in here for us mate?

Chelsea fans grieve for Juan Mata, their Spanish Zola While most Chelsea fans will not question Jose Mourinho, they are sorry to see Juan Mata join Manchester United

Club man: Manchester United signing Juan Mata will be missed by Chelsea fans

For the many inconsolable Chelsea supporters, Juan Mata was not just an employee of their football club. Mata was an emblem of how footballers should be, playing with flair and behaving with dignity. There were no tattoos or tantrums with Mata, no bling or sulking. Just goals, assists, trophies, smiles and now memories.

Chelsea fans trust Jose Mourinho’s judgment, and listen intently to all the tactical talk of Oscar’s greater all-round effectiveness, but sadness flows across the stands of Stamford Bridge that Mata has been sold toManchester United.

He was twice the club’s player of the year, influential in winning the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League during his 30 months in SW6. He was a role model for younger players, a man with a thirst for knowledge and degree course, a gifted, unostentatious footballer respected by away fans. Juan Mata was Gianfranco Zola with a Spanish passport.

Chelsea fans liked that Mata loved their city, exploring it, marvelling at the Seven Dials pillar on the cusp of Covent Garden, browsing through the markets of Camden and Portobello. He took the Tube around town and a car to Cobham, eventually working out the roundabouts.

Those whose second home is the Matthew Harding Upper and Lower, the Shed and all rows in between will miss the way Mata always wanted to share a goal celebration with them, seeking them out away from home, leaping up and doing that airborne punch as when scoring with a low strike against Tottenham Hotspur. Some already denigrate his name, calling him a traitor, particularly with the pictures of his arriving at United, but the majority simply wish him well and thanks for the memories.

They will miss his professionalism. Mata’s desire to get on the pitch, doing what he loves most, making a ball dance and giving value for his weekly wages, acquired added urgency with the imminent World Cup yet he never complained at being overlooked by Mourinho. In interviews, he carefully avoided any comment that could be interpreted as criticism of the head coach, the boss. Supporters felt for him, holding up placards reading “Jose, Mata belongs on the field, not on the bench”, although they knew Mourinho had won the debate.

Oscar was the Special One’s chosen one, his real “No 10” whatever number Mata wore on his back, playing with such conviction in that central role. Eden Hazard, strong and lightning quick, was even in better form out wide. Willian had gradually absorbed the tactical commands of Mourinho. All three contributed far more defensively than Mata.

For Mourinho, Mata did not press relentlessly or directly enough. He did not tackle like Oscar, who looks frail but piles in for the ball.

“Many are saddened that Jose couldn’t find a role for Juan,” David Johnstone, editor of the fanzine cfcuk, said. “He desperately wanted to stay. But with Eden, Oscar and Willian in such fine form it was almost inevitable he would be the one left in the wilderness.’’

A keen backpacker, this is still not the type of wilderness Mata enjoys. He had to leave. The fee – £37 million – has been questioned in certain quarters, slightly bizarrely as United are obtaining a fabulous footballer and a faultless ambassador for the club.

This is a footballer who speaks frequently of his “duty”, who invariably obliged fans’ requests at Chelsea. “I once asked Juan for one of his match-worn shirts for my godsons,” Johnstone said.

“He happily said ‘yes’ and the next time I saw him after a game at Stamford Bridge, he gave me a shirt with his signature on the number on the back.’’ Mata had not forgotten. “The shirt has pride of place in the two boys’ collection of Chelsea memorabilia.” Many other Chelsea fans will tell similar stories of Mata’s kindness.

Typical Mata. Being polite. Being respectful to others. He knows what it is like to ask for shirts. During his time as a youth player at Real Madrid, Mata was ordered by his sister, an admirer of David Beckham, to ask the Englishman for his shirt. Being a similarly generous character, Beckham duly obliged.

Mata also watched how Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Xabi Alonso conducted themselves around the Spanish camp, admiring their class as people as well as players.

Their humility also defines Mata. With Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez, Mata was the heartbeat of the Spanish Under-21 side that triumphed in the juniors’ 2011 euros. A year earlier, Mata took possession of a World Cup winner’s medal yet he willingly dropped down to the Under-21s, calling it “an important part of my development”. Such a sensible, career-minded stance contrasts with the arrogance of certain young English players.

Players respect Mata. When he faced his old Valencia team-mates in the Champions League in 2011, the midfielder Tino Costa remarked that “the whole squad feel affection for Juan”.

Cobham staged some emotional farewells last week from players who took to Mata the moment he launched himself into the “Macarena” as part of his initiation in 2011. He also gained their respect when recovering determinedly from a brutal introduction to English football, being stamped on by Sunderland’s Phil Bardsley in his second game. Even when Mourinho arrived, and Mata was benched, his popularity in the dressing room never took a back seat.

United have bought a special talent. Analysis of his full seasons at Chelsea show he scored in big moments, in his first season (2011-12) against Bayer Leverkusen, against Arsenal, in the west London derbies against Fulham and Queens Park Rangers, in away games at Napoli and Spurs. He delivered the corner from which Didier Drogba forced extra time in the Champions League final in Munich, although a surprisingly poor kick in the shoot-out was saved by Manuel Neuer.

The following season, 2012-13, Mata continued to score important goals, against Arsenal, at Spurs, against United, at Upton Park, at the Stadium of Light, against Arsenal again, against United again; 13 of his 20 goals were scored away from the Bridge fortress. In the final of the Europa League, Mata curled in the corner from which Branislav Ivanovic scored. As Ivanovic celebrated, kneeling and arms aloft, a beaming Mata ran to embrace him. Few smiled as broadly as Mata.

With dead-ball and moving, Mata is a menace. Although David de Gea pulled off an amazing one-handed save from Mata’s 25-yard free kick at the Bridge in February 2012, United’s keeper will be relieved not to be facing his fellow countryman on match-days again.

Mata sent an unstoppable volley from an impossibly tight angle past De Gea (in that 3-3 Bridge thriller in February 2012) and also succeeded with a curling free kick (in a 3-2 defeat eight months later). All of these strikes were left-footed, but he has worked on his right as Arsenal’s Lukasz Fabianski discovered to his cost last October.

Mata’s anticipation and acceleration can give him a start on markers, beating William Gallas to score at Spurs in October 2012, a two-goal display dubbed the Juan Mata Show. Throughout his time at Chelsea, the bearded wonder provided assist after assist, including a perfectly-judged pass to send Hazard through against Norwich City and a cross to Fernando Torres against Rubin Kazan. His Premier League record to date shows 27 assists and 18 goals from 82 games. The numbers highlight his class as a player.

The last word on Mata has to go to a Chelsea fan. “Juan was one of the nicest amongst a bunch of Chelsea footballers who are, on the whole, very nice guys,” Johnstone said. “He was articulate, intelligent and thoughtful. He always had time for those who followed Chelsea. Over the years, we’ve seen many of our idols leave Stamford Bridge for pastures new. But Juan is one of only a few who’ve departed leaving us with a feeling of despair and thoughts of ‘what might have been’ had he stayed.’’

[Manuf 1,448]

it just doesn't feel right...

[Ze Mario 638]

dont wanna to interrupt this bleak moment, but instead talking about manure player, in 15 hours may be a big moment for matic. and he's a chelsea player in case any1 forget

[The Mak 4,459]

Cheers man!

[Roquila 1,335]

When the rumours came up about Mata going to that shithole i actually thought that it's the best for him and i wouldn't be to upset. I never was more wrong than that time. I actually tried to avoid seeing mata in a red shirt and i succeded. And then.... i watched that 11 minute interview someone posted here. Damn i'm so unhappy that he left(not as unhappy as like someone said something here about a car crash though. Bro that shit's crazy). I cannot see him in a red shirt and talking so highly about Man UTD.

It's like you get dumped by someone you love(not nessecarely your gf/bf but you get he idea). You try to hate but you cannot.

Goodluck Juan with your career overall but don't ask Chelsea fans to wish you goodluck in that shithole that Man UTD is. I hope that you get better and the better you get the worse your team gets, this is my wish.


DEM FEELINGS.

[Amblève. 4,995]

Did anyone notice that United published the official transfer fee on their HP? What a bitch move.

[Strike 7,082]

I actually like Hazard. I'm not bitter in the slightest, if that's what you're hinting at. When I say like, I mean as a footballer. He's clearly a money grabber though, so I don't mind that we missed out on him.

Yeah you missed out on him. United, City and Chelsea bid for him. Chelsea got him

[╫rue Blue 47]

This is must read !

goodbye letter from Juan Mata

Juan Mata - Hi everyone, As you can imagine
this is a very important day in my life, and with
these lines I would like to express the
memories and emotions that come to me as I
write. This letter is written from my heart, and
first of all I would like to say that I will never
forget all the affection given to me by the
Chelsea fans From the very first day until the
last. With your support and affection I have
grown up as a player and I have had an
amazing time both on and off the pitch. I will
always feel the gratitude towards you. Always.
No words are enough to give back all the things
I have received. There has been plenty of good
moments: the FA Cup, my first trophy as a
Blue; the immense happiness of winning titles
for the first time in the club's history, such as
that magical Champions League night in Munich
and the Europa League...
On the other hand, I have experienced some
complicated situations from a personal point of
view, mainly during the last six months. Every
message I got through the social media, every
nice word you have said to me on the street,
and of course, your support in the stadium,
has made me feel incredibly proud of the
Chelsea fans; you deserve a team like the one
you've got, with so many fantastic players. I
won't forget the faith you put in me when I was
given the player of the year award the last two
seasons. I feel really proud and I will never
forget those nights. Thank you so much for the
way you have treated me, you have been
unbelievable.
I hope you understand that after going through
a complicated and, for me, new situation in the
last few months, I believe this is the best
choice in order to carry on with my football
career and to keep enjoying this sport. Before
last summer, my intention was to stay here for
a long time; as long as the club wanted me to,
and to keep winning trophies for Chelsea FC.
This is how happy I was in the club and in the
city.



However, as you all know, things changed after
the preseason. From feeling like an important
player, I started to experience some difficult
situations and I felt unable to help the team to
the extent that I wanted and was used to.
Obviously, I fully respect the circumstances.
Football is a team sport and it's not easy to
play regularly in such a good squad. In sports
you may win or lose, but the most important
thing is to give everything. I hope you know
and feel that I have always done so. In every
game, in every training session, without
exception.
I have always tried my best for the club. I
would like to emphasise the affection,
admiration and respect that I've had for my
former team mates since the first day. I want
to thank the captains for their help and
understanding at all times. They made me feel
comfortable when I arrived and they have
supported me throughout the difficult times
this season. I thank all my former team mates
for these two and a half years and I wish them
the best, personally and professionally, for the
future. Of course I have been closer to some of
them, but the most important thing is that my
years in Chelsea have left me with great
friends. Friends forever, football rivalries aside.
I also want to highlight the day-to-day job of
every member of the Chelsea staff: medical
team, kit men, staff at Cobham and Stamford
Bridge, media and marketing department,
Chelsea TV team... All of them are very
important in making this club a great one.
Thank you for your treatment and your efforts
to make the life of the players easier.
Furthermore, thanks to every manager I have
had the pleasure to work with during my time
here. They have all been a big help for my
progression as a player. I have always
respected their decisions, whatever they were;
they made me more mature and a stronger
person. You learn from everything, and certain
situations make you think about other team
mates who are coping with similar situations
more regularly.
Thank you Andre for giving me the opportunity
to join Chelsea FC. Without your support, none
of this would have happened. To Robbie and
Rafa, for their unlimited trust in me. And to
Jose, for making me a stronger player, because
in difficult moments, I have learnt to remain
positive and to keep working hard.
Lastly, I want to thank the Club, and in
particular its owner, Roman Abramovich, for
trusting me and making an important
investment when signing me. Also for their
understanding regarding my situation over the
last months. I'm very glad to have been part of
the squad that made his and our dream come
true: winning the Champions League on that
unforgettable night in Munich. Additionally, my
years in Chelsea have been profitable for the
club, which I'm very pleased about. I want to
make clear that the stage that now comes to an
end has been extremely important for me,
personally and professionally. Although many of
you, like myself, never thought this moment
would come, this is football and a new chapter
is about to begin.
I would have liked to say good bye to all of you
in the stadium, or in a press conference, but it
has not been possible. I'm sure, i will be able
to do it in the future, because is what you
deserve. Evidently, today is a day of mixed
feelings, remembering the past and looking
forward to the future and what it has to bring.
I look forward to being happy and to enjoy
what I like the most: play football. I will never
forget my time in Chelsea and the affection I
take with me, I will keep forever. I wish you
the best. A big hug to all of you.

THANK YOU so much, Juan Mata

[AndersonBLUE 819]

What a nice dude, scum doesn't deserve him at all.

[Rmpr 8,977]

You lot are ridiculous!

How is Mata a traitor?

[Parky 739]

As much as I respect Mourinho, no one is infallible and I believe this is Jose's biggest mistake so far. Marginalizing our two times player of the year and thus forcing him to our biggest rival. Absolute disgrace especially for such a classy player and person.

My question to everyone is. Why the fuck does Torres still play and is at our club when a quality/classy player such as Mata was marginalised and sold to our direct rival Manu scum ?

[Rambo 1,729]

Gotta love this guy, but I simply can't support him seeing him in that red shirt.
Wish him all the best but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't enjoy watching Ramires or Matic run him over to win the ball back.

[Reddish-Blue 2,256]

As much as I respect Mourinho, no one is infallible and I believe this is Jose's biggest mistake so far. Marginalizing our two times player of the year and thus forcing him to our biggest rival. Absolute disgrace especially for such a classy player and person.

My question to everyone is. Why the fuck does Torres still play and is at our club when a quality/classy player such as Mata was marginalised and sold to our direct rival Manu scum ?

Simple, NOBODY wants to pay Torres' wages. He's past his peak and he won't really improve a top-class side

[robdog 2,084]

Thanks for posting the letter. I went to Mata's website & saw that funky red devil I immediately closed that site down. Couldn't Mata goto anyone but manure? I hate freakin' manure. It's a conspiracy to get me to like manure. Nope I won't do it. I have my limits. Adios Juan, but I can't give you love in red. I rather be dead. Lo siento

[Stingray 9,441]

Just curious; mata is a fairly good looking chap, but ive never seen him with a girlfriend or a girl other than his sister? Even when he was on vacation this summer he was with his sister?

Anyone know the reason?

Yes........

[NishC300 1,865]

As much as I respect Mourinho, no one is infallible and I believe this is Jose's biggest mistake so far. Marginalizing our two times player of the year and thus forcing him to our biggest rival. Absolute disgrace especially for such a classy player and person.

My question to everyone is. Why the fuck does Torres still play and is at our club when a quality/classy player such as Mata was marginalised and sold to our direct rival Manu scum ?

Cruel. Cold blooded almost...