If there’s one thing we can all agree on, regardless of team affiliation and rivalries, it’s that Juan Mata is a nice guy.
Hating the Spaniard is akin to hating puppies and kittens, and if you dislike baby versions of animals, then you have no soul, it’s that simple.
Writing a blog most Mondays, which he always ends with ‘Hugs’, the Manchester United midfielder has endeared himself to many and his Common Goal foundation is just another example of why holding any grudge towards the 30-year-old as a person (not as a footballer) makes you heartless.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, it’s no surprise to find out that Juan Mata is an emotional human being, as he explained to El Mundo in a lengthy interview.
First off, he explained what ‘excited’ him, which is mostly football (players like Xavi and Messi) and talking about the sport, but also songs or films (he’s a big fan of Green Book).
He then discussed how lucky he was to be a professional footballer.
He said: “It’s a fantastic job. I was listening to del Bosque once say that being a footballer is the best position to be in the world of football. I completely agree. For people who like it, to be a player is a fantastic way of life, more than a job.
“Of course, there are things that you don’t see as much, that can affect you. Situations, mentally, of responsibility, expectations, critics. But since I was a kid, I’ve loved playing. It’s been nearly 30 years, and I’ve never been bored. I must have something good.”
However, the Manchester United playmaker also revealed that, sometimes, the emotions are too much, and he just has to let it all out.
Asked if football had made him cry, he said: “Yes, especially from frustration, from not having played well in a game, from being too hard on myself and thinking I could have done better than what I did.
“But it’s also made me cry from joy. I remember when we won the World Cup, the Euros, the Champions League. I’ve had a career that’s exceeded the expectations I had as a child.”
For him, the worst fear a footballer can have is to ‘not live up to expectations’ and to not play well, which leads to the manager dropping you to the bench.
As he puts it: “I think that, like every human being with responsibilities, the fear is to fail.”
Not only is he really likeable, but he’s also wise.
Playing more of a bit part role at Manchester United this season, Juan Mata has started just 18 games in 29 appearances, scored five goals and picked up three assists.
