I called meeting at Chelsea when Man Utd showed interest – I really wanted to go

Juan Mata admitted how he called a meeting urging Chelsea to let him leave for Manchester United, saying "I really wanted to go".

The Spaniard joined Chelsea in the summer of 2011 and quickly became one of the best playmakers in the world, helping the Blues to their first ever Champions League trophy in his first season. But despite being voted the club’s Player of the Year in his first two campaigns, he fell out of favour in his third season, under new manager Jose Mourinho.

Mata, who now plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League, struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting line-up under the Portuguese. The silky midfielder was willing to fight for his place initially, but United’s offer in the 2014 January transfer window was something he simply could not turn down.

Convinced by United’s stature, he pleaded with Chelsea bosses that the deal was “perfect” for all parties involved. He arrived in Manchester in late January for a then-club record fee of £37.1million, remaining with the club until 2022.

"The summer before, there was some interest [from United],” the 36-year-old explained in an episode of the UTD Podcast in 2020. “No [I wouldn’t leave then]. I wanted to see what the challenge was and there was never really anything else other than interest. There was not an offer, so I didn’t have the real opportunity.

“As the season went on and the transfer market arrived in January, then there was an offer. I had some other offers also but I wasn’t going to leave either. I’m not one who wants to leave when the situation is tough.

READ MORE: What Erik ten Hag Man United sack means for Jadon Sancho as Chelsea return clause explained

READ MORE: One Chelsea player is becoming impossible for Enzo Maresca to ignore after Newcastle United win

“When Manchester United called and they said ‘we’re going to go for you and make an offer to Chelsea, we want you to come’, I spoke with them. I really wanted to go and really wanted to feel what it is to be a Manchester United player.

“I had suffered playing against United with Chelsea and they are definitely one of the biggest clubs in the world. At that moment, they were struggling with the first season of [David] Moyes and were not doing great in the league, but that doesn’t matter. I wanted to come to be a player for this club.

“I spoke to Chelsea and said: ‘Listen, there is this offer. It’s also good money and you can sign another player, because I’m telling you so that you have time to sign another player. I’m not playing a lot and want to take this opportunity. It’s perfect for everyone.’ So it happened.”

Once both clubs had agreed on a fee, Mata was surprised to learn he would be taken to Carrington by helicopter. He was greeted by then-manager David Moyes and compatriot David de Gea upon arrival.

Mata went on to make 285 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 51 goals and setting up 43, winning the FA Cup, EFL Cup and the Europa League despite United going through a turbulent period. He has since played for Turkish giants Galatasaray and Vissel Kobe in Japan, winning domestic titles with both before sealing a move to Australia at the start of this season.