It is all over now, bar a couple more 1-0 Chelsea wins.
Juan Mata’s return to Chelsea did not feature some of the usual bile and ranting that often occurs when a former player shows up at his old ground.
The Spaniard, now playing for Manchester United after his surprise switch in 2013, was on the losing side, at Stamford Bridge, but was part of a team that pushed the champions-in-waiting close.
Mata has recounted his take on the 1-0 defeat and touched on the fact that United enjoyed 71% possession and yet finished second best and unable to complain.
In his latest blog, Mata states, ‘When we were leaving Stamford Bridge, to catch the train and go back to Manchester, I had mixed feelings. I was angry about the defeat, I was thrilled after seeing some old friends, but especially I was proud.
‘Mainly for two reasons… I felt proud of the game the team had played, keeping the ball possession, controlling the game and creating chances to score, and all this at Stamford Bridge against the leader.
‘As our manager [Louis van Gaal] said after the game, we were loyal to our football idea, and despite the score didn’t show that, if we keep playing like this there will be many more wins than defeats, I’m pretty sure of that.’
Mata got a warm reception from both sets of fans, when he was substituted late in the game. After the match, he stayed on the pitch to hug each of the Chelsea players.
He adds, ‘It was really moving to feel the people’s respect and affection, and I will always be grateful for that.
‘To them and also to the players. I thank them for such affection and I congratulate them for the title they are about to win, because it’s almost done.’
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