Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has claimed in a recent interview that he would love to play until he is 40 if his fitness permits it.
Juan Mata joined Manchester United from Chelsea in 2014. And after a few ups and downs, the Spanish playmaker has established himself as one of the mainstays for Jose Mourinho’s side this season. It was Mourinho who had sold Mata to United when the former was the Chelsea manager and when the Portuguese took charge of the Red Devils it was more or less certain that the Spaniard would be sold once again. But the relationship between the two men has changed drastically with Mourinho publicly claiming that the midfielder is a completely different player from what he was at Chelsea.
While speaking to the magazine Panenka, Juan Mata revealed his future plans.
Mata said: “I would like to play until I’m 40 if my body allows me to. I will carry on with Common Goal. And management tempts me, but it is an unforgiving role.
“A coach depends on whether I take a corner well or finish a chance in front of goal and really, what influence does he have over this when it happens? I understand that people take decisions under pressure but the process is not valued, only results.
“I also want to work with youngsters, warn them of the perils and remind them of their responsibilities because it is sometimes easy to fall off the right track needed to get to the top level.
“Psychology also attracts me and in football, the mental aspect is very important, because if the mind is not settled, the feet do not work either.”
Juan Mata has made 22 appearances in the Premier League this season outlining exactly how important the Spaniard has been to Jose Mourinho and his plans.
Mata currently has 18 months left on his current contract and if his keeps playing at the same level what he is doing now then it will not be a surprise if Manchester United present him with a new deal.
