Juan Mata says he will ‘never forget’ the support he received from Manchester United supporters after announcing his departure from the club.
The Spaniard will leave the Red Devils at the end of June when his contract expires, bringing to an end his eight-and-a-half-years at the club.
Mata joined United from Chelsea in January 2014 and he’s been one of the few successes the club have enjoyed in the transfer market in the last decade.
There had been speculation that Erik ten Hag would look to extend Mata’s stay at the club but after talks it has been decided that it’s best if the Spaniard exits the club.
He gave supporters great memories thanks to goals against Liverpool, Manchester City and in the FA Cup final but Mata says it was the support he received during the difficult moments that ensures he will ‘never forget’ them.
‘From here, from the middle of the pitch at Old Trafford, at night. I’m alone. Actually, this feels like a dream,’ Mata said in a video message.
‘I wanted to say thank you very much to all of you for your support over the years and especially during the difficult times that we lived together
‘I will never forget you. Thank you very much. All the best from the bottom of my heart and goodbye.’
Mata joins Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard in departing the club, with United announcing their departures on Wednesday.
Edinson Cavani, Lee Grant and Nemanja Matic are all set to follow the trio in leaving the club when their contracts expire at the end of June.
MORE : Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez speaks out on his future amid Chelsea links
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