Juan Mata: I said no to Spurs and Arsenal

Posted Tuesday, August 23, 2011 by The Sun

CHELSEA new-boy Juan Mata turned down Arsenal AND Tottenham to join the Andre Villas-Boas revolution at Stamford Bridge.

The £26million midfield buy from Valencia insisted: "I want to come to England to win trophies - and that's why I accepted Chelsea's offer.

"It was also a question of sporting achievement, not money. Arsenal and Tottenham were both interested in me but they did not compare with the Blues.

"I want the Premier League title and this is possible at Chelsea.

"Fernando Torres helped influence my decision but speaking directly with Villas-Boas was the decisive factor.

"He explained how his style will be based on 4-3-3 and how important I will be to his plans.

"Frank Lampard is a monster of a footballer to play alongside and the prospect of that is incredible."

Mata, 23, hit eight goals last season to help Valencia into third spot in La Liga, having been part of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad.

He also skippered the Spanish Under-21s to European Championship glory this summer.

He has vowed to learn English quickly and expects fellow-countryman Torres to get him up to speed.

Mata is also delighted Chelsea play in blue, like his first club Real Oviedo.

He said: "From being a little boy my colour was always blue.

"I loved playing for Real Oviedo and would like to return there one day."

Mata's arrival lowers the average age of the Chelsea squad only slightly but John Terry has hit back at doubters who say the old guard have lost their hunger.

Stars such as Terry, Lampard and Didier Drogba are in their 30s - while title rivals Manchester United's new-look squad is bursting with youth.

But JT reckons anyone who is writing off Chelsea this term needs to think again.

He said: "Some people suggest Lamps, Didier and me have been here for too long to feel concerned.

"But it's the opposite. We are the ones who make sure the team is a unit every day, who set the example."