Chelsea wrap up signing of Juan Mata
Chelsea have completed the signing of exciting Spanish attacker Juan Mata from Valencia.
Mata’s arrival in West London had been expected since word of a deal emerged at the weekend and the club confirmed the move after the 23-year old trained with his new teammates earlier today.
Chelsea saw off competition from both Arsenal and Tottenham to secure the signing of Mata and are believed to have shelled out in the region of £25 million for a man who was part of Spain’s World Cup winning squad in 2010 and captained his country to the European under-21 title earlier this summer.
Speaking about his move to the West London side, Mata said: “Right from the first moment there have been good feelings all around me. Training has been great and the players are a great group to train with.
“Valencia was a big club anyway but I have left to join a bigger club and it is all about the opportunity to win trophies and I have that here.”
Mata revealed that he has already conversations with new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, who assured him he would have a big role to play in the Blues’ quest for trophies this year.
“He said he wanted Chelsea this season to play more attacking football, and that I would be a big part of that,” Mata added.
“Villas-Boas is someone who won almost everything last year and we are both here with the idea of winning lots this season.
“The plan is that I can play on either flank or even in the middle playing in between the lines of midfield and attack. I like to keep the ball and use it well, I am an attacking player and above all I like to set up goals and score them also.
“I want to adapt as quickly as possible to my new surroundings, my colleagues and this league, and I would love to win a trophy in my first season. If it can be the Premier League then great.”
Mata becomes Chelsea’s third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Oriol Romeu at Stamford Bridge. Another recruit, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, has joined Atletico Madrid on loan.
