Juan Mata publishes a full of gratitude and unforgettable moments video at Manchester United. For eight and a half years he has earned a place in the hearts of every fan. “I will always be one of you,” he says.
“It would be impossible for me to express through this text all the feelings that I’ve been experiencing over the last weeks, but to sum it up, I would like to say that I’m the proudest man in the world for having represented this unique club for the last 8 and a half seasons.” This phrase, taken from his farewell video, reflects very well the feeling with which Juan Mata concludes his time at Manchester United.
Sometimes reality exceeds dreams. Thank you @manutd ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SksvdXoAhR
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) June 10, 2022
From his first game, on January 28, 2014, with Cardiff City as rival (in which he provided an assist), until his last, on May 22 against Crystal Palace, the Spanish international has participated in 285 games. A total of 51 goals and 47 assists bear his signature in this period. He leaves United with the love of all the Red Devils fans, as was evident in his final match at Old Trafford (May 2 against Brentford). That night he received an unforgettable ovation when he was substituted.
Four titles and many special moments
Mata has lifted four trophies in a Manchester United shirt. In 2016 he was proclaimed champion of the FA Cup and the Community Shield, while in 2017 he won the Europa League and the EFL Cup. In his farewell video, images of several indelible moments appear. Examples of this are his scissor goal against Liverpool at Anfield (March 2015), the goal he scored against Manchester City and earned him a pass to the quarterfinals in the EFL Cup that he would end up winning (October 2016) or the direct free kick with which contributed to United’s victory against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium (November 2018).
Juan thanks all the members of the staff, coaches and colleagues with whom he has come across these years. Of course, he does not forget about the fans, the soul of Manchester United. “I don’t really find words to describe how grateful I am and how special you’ve made me feel. I feel very loved and this is something for what neither me or my family will ever be thankful enough,” he says. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for letting me be part of your history, I am trully honoured and proud, and I will always be one of you.”
