Manchester United star Juan Mata has insisted that he is “deeply grateful” for the reception he got from the Chelsea fans during his side’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Spaniard spent two-and-a-half successful seasons at Chelsea before joining Manchester United in January 2014 after falling out of favour with then Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
During his time at Chelsea, Mata received the Player of the Year award twice, with the winger helping the London outfit to an FA Cup, a Champions League and a Europa League.
The Chelsea supporters showed that they still hold Mata in high regard after providing the 27-year-old with a standing ovation when he was being substituted in injury time.
And the Spain international explained that he always relishes the prospect of playing at his former stomping ground.
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“It’s always special for me to play in Stamford Bridge”, he wrote on his personal blog.
“My feelings are different in a day like this, but once the referee blows the whistle for the kick-off, in my mind the only goal is to win, to give everything you have to help the team and to enjoy on the pitch.
"I have to say that I’m deeply grateful for the reception from the Chelsea fans and their applause when I was substituted.”
Mata, who has scored six goals and provided seven assists in 35 games this season, amassed 135 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 32 times and setting up 58 goals.
