Manchester United winger Juan Mata has had a very successful week with both club and country.
With Spain he helped to secure qualification to the 2016 European Championships, along with United team mate David De Gea. Domestically, with Manchester United, Mata contributed to their 3-0 win over Everton.
Despite being subbed off at half time, Juan Mata was happy for the win, especially as his friend, and compatriot, Ander Herrera scored a goal and assisted Wayne Rooney in the game.
Taking to his weekly blog kicca.com/juanmata8, the Spaniard has described his successful week, and his upcoming international opponents – England:
“Hi everyone,”
“I’m writing at the end of another good week, with two positive results that give the team a boost of energy and make me feel optimistic. But there’s no time to celebrate anything in a season with no respite.”
“Last Saturday we got a solid victory at Goodison Park, always a tough stadium to get the three points. I think the score reflects the good work the team did. We managed to take our chances despite Everton’s strong start and pressing.”
“The first goal was very important, and with the second one things were going in our favour. I’m really happy to see my friend Ander Herrera back on the pitch, contributing his class and his ability to score goals.”
“Everton put again some pressure at the beginning of the second half, but the third goal definitely gave us the three points.”
“I think we played a very complete game and, especially, we had a much better start here than against Arsenal in our last Premier League game, because we controlled the ball and played mainly on Everton’s half of the pitch.”
“The mark of respect to Howard Kendall was impressive. The atmosphere in the UK during this kind of tributes amazes me once and again. Kendall also managed Athletic Bilbao in Spain, and many people remember him. My condolences to his family and friends.”
“Playing with Spain at Kiev’s Olympic Stadium, where we won the Euro 2012 final, was another emotional moment last week. This time we won again but it wasn’t easy because Ukraine were fighting for the ticket to France.”
“Congratulations to Mario on his first goal with Spain’s national team, and good luck to Ukraine in the play-off with Slovenia.”
“I will never forget this game because I could wear the captain’s armband. I know it was the result of many coincidences, but even so I’m thrilled. It’s a dream come true, something to be very proud of for the rest of my life.”
“It was the end of a very good training camp with Spain. The next one will be in November… to play against England.”
Juan Mata has travelled to Moscow, with the Manchester Untied squad, to play CSKA in a Champions League group game on Wednesday.
