Juan Mata Thanks Chelsea FC Fans And Talks Fernando Torres In Blog Post
Former Chelsea FC favourite Juan Mata has spoken about the Blues fans and international teammate Fernando Torres in a new blog post.
Chelsea fans adore Juan Mata. They were devastated when the club sold him to Manchester United a few years ago but the affection that the Stamford Bridge faithful still have for him is reflected each time he returns. The Spaniard was treated to a standing ovation on Sunday afternoon when he was substituted as his contributions to the Blues cause continue to be recognised.
Mata has thanked the supporters for their kindness in his latest blog post, while also giving a shout-out to another former Chelsea player in Fernando Torres. The striker finally bagged his 100th goal for Atletico Madrid at the weekend after a long wait.
"It’s always special for me to play in Stamford Bridge…I have to say that I’m deeply grateful for the reception from the Chelsea fans and their applause when I was substituted. Moments like these ennoble football and it’s something you keep in your memory forever.I would like to highlight Fernando’s 100th goal for Atlético. I know how excited you are about it and I’m really happy that you have reached such an incredible figure with your beloved team. Congratulations, Fer!"
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Chelsea signed the midfielder in the summer of 2011 for just under £24 million, after the Spaniard had built up quite a reputation with Valencia. Mata would spend two and half years at Stamford Bridge, racking up 135 competitive appearances and 33 goals. More importantly, he also registered 58 assists during his tenure.
His efforts saw him be instrumental in the club’s FA Cup and Champions League triumphs in 2012, as well as the Europa League victory a year later.
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Unfortunately, Jose Mourinho’s arrival saw his playing time reduced with suggestions that Mata did not quite fit into the Portuguese’s philosophy. As a result, his sale was sanctioned in the winter of 2013/14 and he moved to Manchester United for a fee close to £40 million.
Blues supporters were unhappy with the departure at the time and they continue to bemoan the fact that a clear favourite was dispatched with minimal fanfare.
Mata, on his part, has never had a bad word to say about his time in West London and comments such as this will only strengthen the bond between him and Chelsea fans. In fact, there has even been calls for the brass to make an audacious move to bring him back in the summer.
With regard to Torres, meanwhile, despite what was an undisputed failure of a spell at Stamford Bridge, his work-rate (and that goal) endeared him to the terraces. After an excessively long wait, the striker finally bagged his 100th goal for the club that he came up through and captained. Hopefully, this will be the spark that he needs to kick-on this season. With his future undecided, he desperately requires some goals to give Atletico a reason to permanently sign him.