I was a very important player to them

It certainly did not make sense to hear Mourinho thinking about selling the best player the club. It only seemed like a transfer rumour that was started on behalf of the player’s agent to get himself a new deal.

Mata has now confirmed that the rumours linking him with a return to Spain are untrue.

“I don’t know where that came from. The last time I spoke with the club they told me I was a very important player to them and transmitted confidence in me.” – Mata

According to Sky Sports, the 25-year-old is looking forward to working with Mourinho. However, he did not hide his admiration for Real Madrid by saying that he can only say good words about the club where he spent much of his youth.

“I only have good words for Real Madrid. I was there for four years and they brought me up, both as a player and a person.” – Mata