Mata breaks silence following Man Utd exit
FT Desk
- 10 Sept 2022 09:58 BST
- 3 min read
Jan Mata was one of five players who left Manchester United on a free transfer this summer, and he is now ready to reignite his career at Galatasaray.
The winds of change swept through Old Trafford this summer. Erik ten Hag replaced Ralf Rangnick as manager and immediately identified certain players as surplus to requirements, while others wanted to leave anyway.
Mata left on a free, as did Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard, with Pogba having signed a pre-contract agreement with former club Juventus.
Man Utd will attempt to get rid of these players this summer [Sun] 👋
• Paul Pogba
• Jesse Lingard
• Marcus Rashford
• Anthony Martial
• Edinson Cavani
• Nemanja Matic
• Juan Mata
• Lee Grant
• Phil Jones
• Alex Telles
• Aaron Wan-Bissaka
• Eric Bailly pic.twitter.com/7anQ1gmzqF
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) April 21, 2022
Mata didn't have something lined up in advance, but he was a transfer deadline day arrival at Galatasaray, who announced five new players, also including PSG's Mauro Icardi on loan, on Thursday.
"I feel so good; I'm excited and very motivated," Mata said. "I'm grateful for being here. Everyone's being very friendly. I can't wait to win with Galatasaray. Everyone told me what a nice atmosphere this place has. I'm can't wait to experience it. I can't wait to fight in front of our fans.
Mata: 'A place in history'
"Galatasaray is the most successful team in Turkey. It's also a club that has a place in the history of football. Thank you everyone for the warm welcome."
Mata scored 51 goals and laid on 47 assists in 285 appearances in all competitions with United, winning the FA Cup and Europa League along the way, and he has no hard feelings about his Old Trafford exit.
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"From here, from the middle of the pitch at Old Trafford, at night, I'm alone," he reflected after his United deal was up. "Actually, this feels like a dream.
"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'll never forget you. Thank you very much. All the best from the bottom of my heart and goodbye."
