Manchester United star discusses future: I have changed my mind

MANCHESTER UNITED star Juan Mata plans to continue in the world of football beyond his playing days.

Posted Thursday, February 23, 2017 by Dailystar.co.uk

The Red Devils playmaker turns 29 in April and has plenty of experience in the game.

Having spent time at Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester United, Mata can certainly offer a lot should he try his hand at coaching.

The Spain international for now remains an influential and important figure in Jose Mourinho's team at Old Trafford.

There was a fear Mata could be let go by the Portuguese boss when he arrived at United last summer, as the creative midfielder was sold by Mourinho at Chelsea.

But the World Cup winner has proven his worth and has much more to give in Manchester.

Manchester United star discusses future: I have changed my mind
28-year-old Juan Mata still has plenty to offer at Manchester United

Mata admits he used to feel as though his life in football would end once he hangs up his boots.

But the United ace has had a change of perspective as his career has progressed.

Asked by Gary Lineker on BBC's Premier League Show if he would look to head into coaching, Mata joked: "I would love to present Match of the Day."

He continued: "I'm not sure, I bet if you ask football players what they want to do, some of them will tell you 'nothing in football, I've been in football for so long I want to do something different'.

"And I kind of felt like this for a long time.

"But now that I'm getting older, I feel that I really like football.

"I like to see teams and especially watch players that I like to [watch] play.

"I think it is something that will never [leave] me."

Mata has the chance on Sunday to add another winners' medal to his collection when United take on Southampton in the EFL Cup final (4.30pm).