Mata revels in 'luxury' at United

Posted Monday, October 19, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Juan Mata is "happy to be a luxury player" at Manchester United after the midfielder's style of play led to his departure from Chelsea in January 2014.

The Spain international was sold to Manchester United for a then-record club transfer after Blues boss Jose Mourinho criticised his lack of work rate for the west London giants.

Mata enjoyed much success at Stamford Bridge during his three-year stay in the capital, winning the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and the FA Cup, while he was voted the club's Player of the Year for 2012 and 2013.

The 27-year-old has scored 18 Premier League goals for United since his arrival, matching the tally he racked up with his former employers - although in less games - and he claims that feat speaks volumes for his career.

"If a luxury player is a player who scores and assists and has good stats, then I'm happy to be a luxury player," Mata said at a Special Olympics project in Madrid.

"I've scored as many goals for Manchester United in the Premier League as for Chelsea, but in something like 30 games less. In terms of scoring and assisting I'm quite happy with the stats, and stats don't lie. They are facts."