Juan Mata

[The_Flash 1,144]

In light of his recent transfer to Manchester, Juan Mata has decided to rename his blog.

Instead of One Hour Behind, it will now be named Twenty Years Behind.

Thank you that made me laugh in this difficult time

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

In light of his recent transfer to Manchester, Juan Mata has decided to rename his blog.

Instead of One Hour Behind, it will now be named Twenty Years Behind.

Or 12 points behind.

[Korea 734]

apparently carrick is out for a month...

Meaning jones + clevery to cover Mata/Adan.

[Jase 43,479]

I'm confused. Are people genuinely and seriously hating Mata now or they are just feeling so because of the pain and devastation? The abuse I've seen him got in the past hours have been utterly ludicrous and pathetic. People are not understanding the situation enough and they are now treating as though Mata's contribution did not even exist! For starters, Mourinho - the man we are hailing as a legend now - would not have returned without Mata carrying us last season with his goals, assists and overall contribution to help us finish in Top 4 (and winning the Europa League). And if you remember, Mourinho has mentioned more than once of his dislike playing in the Europa League competition.

Honestly, I cannot believe this has happened - Mata leaving and (worse) going to Man United - the team we all love to hate. Ever since Mourinho returned last season, I had thought there was going to be a compatibility issue between the two given the contrasting style of play. I had actually thought it was going to work just fine, that nothing bad will happen but perhaps I might have been naive then.

I really can't blame Mata for leaving (something that I had been preparing myself for), even if it is to United. He wasn't playing and practically only United came knocking and he took the chance. Mata has tried to adapt and worked hard but it was never going to be quite enough for Mourinho's liking and fitting into his system and I think it's probably fair to say that we all had this lingering thought in our mind.

I also think it's easy for us to be armchair critics and just quickly criticize him for what has happened. If you were in his position instead, you would be thinking or feeling differently of the situation. Most of the criticism or abuse I've seen him got is mostly from a selfish point of view or with a blue tinted glass on. Cliche as it is, footballers' career are short and Mata needs to decide what is best for him, which is to play week in week out, something I don't think it's gonna happen here with Mourinho as the manager even if I would like to think otherwise.

Besides, we don't exactly know what has gone on behind closed doors. I know Mourinho has said what he has said in his press conference earlier and perhaps people shouldn't be so quick to judge the overall situation. Would like to give Mata a chance to speak and see what he has got to say on this, which I hope he does. Given his good nature in personality and character, think it would be unfair if that is not the case, no?

I'm devastated as many of the fans out there because he's leaving the club and because he has always felt like one of us; from embracing the club, the history, connecting with the fans on social media and the way he celebrates some of his goals with the fans (e.g. Spurs and United away last season). And think what is making this transfer even more painful to everyone is because he's going to Man United, who we all hate, and it's probably ironic given I said in the previous sentence.

He might be feeling the pain and hurt doing this to the fans but if he has to do what is best for his career, then what can we do? There is no point in him to just sit on the bench, no matter how hard he tries and work, if his style of play was 'A' and the manager 'B'. Never going to work out ultimately, unfortunately. What I would say is that Mata deserves a club better than United right now and they most certainly do not deserve someone like Mata!

Thank you Mata. Thank you for the brilliant and beautiful memories. You'll be fondly remembered at the club. Good luck.

And just thought I would share a few tweets that echoed my thoughts on this Mata situation.

Grant James ‏@GrantJames_CFC 48m

Some footballers care more about playing than anything else. Respect to Mata. Some managers always put the team first. Respect to Mourinho.

Aidan Sweeney ‏@aidansweeney_ 1h

I genuinely wish @juanmata10 all the best. He's a special player and in an era where footballers are awful human beings, he was different.

Russell Baldry ‏@RussellBaldry 2h

You've all 'lost respect' for a man who with dignity asked for a move because he didn't want to waste his talent on the bench? Grow up

[kellzfresh 7,229]

Seriously people, lay off him. Juan Mata is one of the most cultured, intellectually curious footballers in the Premier League....

And he's got to live in Manchester.

His blog is going to be fucking boring from now on.

Monday - saw a canal.

Tuesday - went to the Trafford Centre

Wednesday - Ryan Giggs showed me his stick collection

Thursday - spent the morning playing catch with David De Gea - I won.

Friday - had a go on the boss's daughter....she smelt like Wilfred still....I miss the canal.

GOLD!!!!!!

[Irakozium257 350]

If what José said is true, that he wanted to go to those filthy scum, then all I can say is F*** HIM, pathetic superficial moron is what he is and I hope that he flatters all the biggest star flops by being so shitty that the likes of Kagawa and Torres become grateful of what they've been through compared to him. I had considered naming a rottweiler puppy after his last name because I was so sure he could become our new Zola, but f**k him once more. I'm unfollowing him on all social media and I wish him the worst bar injury and that kind of stuff ofc, on the pitch when playing alongside those other pieces of dirt. F**k him once more.

[Ryan Fong 2,776]

If what José said is true, that he wanted to go to those filthy scum, then all I can say is F*** HIM, pathetic superficial moron is what he is and I hope that he flatters all the biggest star flops by being so shitty that the likes of Kagawa and Torres become grateful of what they've been through compared to him. I had considered naming a rottweiler puppy after his last name because I was so sure he could become our new Zola, but f**k him once more. I'm unfollowing him on all social media and I wish him the worst bar injury and that kind of stuff ofc, on the pitch when playing alongside those other pieces of dirt. F**k him once more.

Go fuck yourself and get lost.

[The Skipper 20,609]

Of course you can but don't be surprised when people call you up on some of the stuff you're saying. He did try, and in some games he tried so hard he was knackered by halftime (Southampton away). Mata realised he is physically incapable of playing the way Mourinho wants, he hasn't played a single minute for the last three weeks. He can fight until he end of the season, next year and up to 2020 if he wants but he will never be the athlete Jose requires for his system. This offer was too good to turn down for both the club and the player.

Don't bother pal, some people will always look for a Judas/scapegoat.

[johnnythefirst 1,076]

If what José said is true, that he wanted to go to those filthy scum, then all I can say is F*** HIM, pathetic superficial moron is what he is and I hope that he flatters all the biggest star flops by being so shitty that the likes of Kagawa and Torres become grateful of what they've been through compared to him. I had considered naming a rottweiler puppy after his last name because I was so sure he could become our new Zola, but f**k him once more. I'm unfollowing him on all social media and I wish him the worst bar injury and that kind of stuff ofc, on the pitch when playing alongside those other pieces of dirt. F**k him once more.

Just look at this classy guy.

[Jase 43,479]

David Ornstein ‏@bbcsport_david 2m

Chelsea won't sign off Mata deal until Salah completes move. Salah terms/medical/work permit will take at least a couple of days

Man Utd not prepared to carry out Mata medical until deal signed off by Chelsea. Once Salah completes #cfc move, Mata to #mufc can proceed

Howard Nurse ‏@howardnurse 8m

Mata to #MUFC likely to be Monday, maybe even Tuesday now

[Toli 977]

1. David Ornstein ‏@bbcsport_david 32s

   Man Utd not prepared to carry out Mata medical until deal signed off by Chelsea. Once Salah completes #cfc move, Mata to #mufc can proceed

   Details

David Ornstein ‏@bbcsport_david 4m

Chelsea won't sign off Mata deal until Salah completes move. Salah terms/medical/work permit will take at least a couple of days #cfc #mufc

[Term-X 7,891]

Mourinho zealots already out to take swipes at Mata I see...'confirmation bias' anyone?

Mata zealots already out to make sarcy undermining remarks indirectly aimed at Mourinho (the embodiment of Chelsea FC) and his decision making.

[The Skipper 20,609]

It's clear some on here haven't played 11 a side football at even the lowest level. If you have you would understand how frustrated Mata is - from star player, marginalised to a mere bench player - despite obvious efforts to improve, he still didn't get enough playing time. If you played football at any sort of decent level you'd understand that he's leaving because he isn't playing enough at all and United are the only club offering an exit for him now.

[darrus 422]

Howard Nurse ‏@howardnurse 8m

Mata to #MUFC likely to be Monday, maybe even Tuesday now

Or maybe next year.

Sorry, but even after Jose's PC it still isn't looking like a deal is done.

[Ryan Fong 2,776]

Oh an evil side of me wants Salah to join Liverpool instead then we keep Mata, just to troll the shit out of ManU Scums.