London: Juan Mata's transfer to Manchester United will be sealed "sooner rather than later," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said on Friday after agreeing to sell the midfielder. Mourinho said at a news conference that Chelsea have allowed the Spain international to undergo a medical examination with United, ahead of a club record move for 37 million pounds ($61 million).
"We had an offer that is a right offer," Mourinho said. "I asked him (Mata), 'Are you really happy to go?''', Mourinho added. "He said, 'Yes, I'm really happy to go.'" Mata was Chelsea's player of the year for the last two seasons but has been marginalized at the London club this campaign following the return of Mourinho as manager in the summer.
Mata has largely been on the bench, with Mourinho preferring Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar as his playmakers. "He was fantastic for Chelsea. Chelsea was fantastic for him," Mourinho said. "We want him to go there and be happy and do well for Manchester United."
While United have been quiet on Mata's likely transfer on Friday, Mourinho said: "Things are going in a good direction." United will hope the signing of Mata proves to be a turning point in its so-far lackluster season. The team is seventh in the league, 14 points behind leader Arsenal, and facing a fight to secure one of the four Champions League places.
United have already exited the FA Cup and League Cup. The bright spot is still remaining in Champions League title contention going into the round of 16 against Olympiakos next month.
Comments
0 comment