Football’s most famous bromance almost never came to fruition.
It’s well documented that Juan Mata and Ander Herrera are like two peas in a paella and their friendship extends beyond the pitch.
But they weren’t always this chummy!
Herrera has revealed that his football soulmate once left him infuriated after Mata dived during a 2010 La Liga game between Valencia and Real Zaragoza which led to Herrera being sent off.
The pair reminisced on the incident in an interview on ManUtd.com.
Mata: You know we used to play against each other in Spain and it was not that nice!
Herrera: I wasn’t tough against him because he used to dive!
Mata: We were playing in a match, Valencia against Real Zaragoza, and I always say now it’s very nice to play with him. But when I used to play against him he was always speaking and doing things…
Herrera: I was trying to make it difficult for my opponent! I knew what an important player Juan was for Valencia so I tried to make the game as hard as possible. And I was sent off in that game!
Mata: They rescinded the card, no?
Herrera: Yes because it was not fair! I will show you the video and you will see he dived!
Check out the dive in all it’s disgraceful glory!
At least they’ve made up now. Nothing can destroy Juander.
