Juan Mata reiterated his desire to stay with Chelsea, expressing surprise at reports suggesting he could make a move back to Spain, with Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly showing an interest.
Mata had a brilliant season for Chelsea last year and was rightly named their player of the year. The gifted playmaker has been one of the standout players in the English Premier League ever since making a move to Stamford Bridge from Valencia two years ago.
However, despite the form shown by the 25-year-old, some reports have suggested new manager Jose Mourinho has deemed Mata expendable and wants to play Eden Hazard in the central playmaking role, which the Spanish international has made his own in the last couple of seasons.
Mata, currently with the Spain squad at the Confederations Cup, though, rubbished the rumors, and said he is looking forward to linking up with Mourinho and Chelsea next season.
"I don't know where that came from," Mata said when asked about rumors linking him with a return to Spain.
"The last time I spoke with the club they told me I was a very important player to them and transmitted confidence in me.
"I'm sure Mourinho will want to see everyone first and then decide what he wants to do.
"You have to know people first before you can evaluate them. After the holidays and after I've rested, I'll meet the new boss and I'm sure things will go well."
Mata admitted Real Madrid, where he began his career as a youth, holds a special place in his heart, but does not see himself switching the Bernabeu anytime soon.
"I only have good words for Real Madrid," Mata, always so articulate and well-spoken, added. "I was there for four years and they brought me up, both as a player and a person.
"I have many friends there and I'm very grateful to the club. But I've spent two great years in London and the only thing I'm thinking about now is continuing to enjoy this league and this city that I love."
