Mata surprised by Chelsea exit rumours

Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata has reiterated his happiness at the club and says he does not know where rumours of an exit have come from.

The 25-year-old made 35 Premier League appearances for the London club in 2012-13, scoring 11 goals and providing an incredible 17 assists.

Despite those impressive figures, it had been suggested that Mata could be sold due to his incompatibility with the methods of new boss Jose Mourinho.

However, the Spain international insists he has not been informed by the club that an exit could be on the cards.

“I don’t know where that came from,” he told AS. “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 (new manager Jose) Mourinho will want to see everyone first and then decide what he wants to do.”

The interest of Real Madrid has reportedly been piqued by Mata’s situation, but the attacker claims a return to his former club does not currently interest him.

He added: “I only have good words for Real Madrid. 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.”

And Mata remained diplomatic when asked about the prospect of working with Mourinho, saying: “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.”