Mata hails Torres factor

New Chelsea signing Juan Mata has admitted Fernando Torres was ‘a very important factor’ in his decision to join the Blues.

The 23-million-pound man moved to Stamford Bridge last month despite reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.

Mata stated his Spanish team-mate’s advice played a crucial role in him signing for Andre Villas-Boas’ side, but revealed it was not all down to the striker.

He told the club’s official website: “I did talk to him about this and he was the one who encouraged me to come.”

“He said this would be an excellent experience for me to play as part of a bigger team and a team which has excellent facilities, an excellent manager and excellent qualities overall.”

“There are a lot of big, talented players here. As well as Fernando Torres, there are at least 20 more.”

“I’m just one more player willing to give as much as I can when the coach puts me out there on the field.”

Mata has targeted overtaking Manchester United at the top of the Premier League as his ambition for the Blues this season.

The two teams square off against each other on Sunday at Old Trafford and the Spaniard is hopeful of success in his first game against the Red Devils as a Chelsea player.

“Obviously they are doing really well at the moment, they have won all their games and are a real contender for the Premier League title,” he conceded.

“I have been to their pitch with Valencia and it was all very impressive, so obviously they are big contenders for it now.”

“We’re just starting the season right now and obviously they have had a strong start but we are closing in on that gap, we are only two points away, a distance we can recover quite easily.”

“We have shown that we can win, we are only at the beginning of the season and everything is to play for.”