Juan Mata Laments Loss of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba to English Football

Follow @insidefutbol




Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata feels that a good part of England's football history is leaving with the departures of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Steven Gerrard.

All three players bid adieu to Premier League yesterday with Lampard and Gerrard going to the United States to join their New York City FC and Los Angeles Galaxy, respectively, while Drogba's future is yet to be decided.

And Mata, who had the opportunity to play with Lampard and Drogba at Chelsea and has closely watched Gerrard during his four-year long stay in the Premier League, feels that all three are legends in their own right.

Mata is also of the view that the face of English football is set to change forever with the departures of the legends.
 

"Being the last week of the Premier League, we have seen a few farewells and some of them very significant", Mata wrote on his blog.  

relatedNewsStory

"Like Steven Gerrard’s, for instance. I mentioned him a week ago for his relevance and contribution to the history of football.

"The same thing can be said, of course, about Frank Lampard, one of the best team-mates I have ever had and someone I have learnt a lot from."

Mata also took time to thank his former team-mate Lampard, from whom, he insists, he has learned a lot and wished him luck for his new stage in the United States.

"A true legend in both English and world football. I wish him all the best for his new stage in the United States and I thank him for his treatment to me at all times.

"With so many legends leaving, a good part of football’s history in England is leaving too."

Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.