Juan Mata a Manchester United player bids a tearful farewell to the club

Juan Mata has sent an emotional farewell video tribute to Manchester United via his official Twitter account.After joining United in January 2014, the former Spain international, 38, has departed the club.   On Twitter, Mata commented, “Sometimes reality exceeds dreams.”In a video posted to his social media account, he added: “Everything good has to come to an end. I’m starting to feel like a naturalized Mancunian.”

He won the Europa League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup, but he did not win the Champions League, unlike his former club Chelsea. He also failed to win the Premier League title.

Mata joins fellow midfielders Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard in exiting Old Trafford as new manager Erik ten Hag begins his rebuilding of the team.

When United revealed their list of retained players on Friday, their exits were formally confirmed.

“I am genuinely honoured and proud,” Mata added, “and I will always be one of you.”

“I am the happiest man on the planet to have represented such a special club.”

During his eight-and-a-half years at United, Mata made 285 appearances and scored 51 goals, describing himself as “unique” and “extremely adored.”

When United revealed their list of retained players on Friday, their exits were formally confirmed.

“I am genuinely honoured and proud,” Mata added, “and I will always be one of you.”

“I am the happiest man on the planet to have represented such a special club.”

“It’s something I could never have imagined when I was a kid.” It seemed far away for a young Spaniard to one day play for one of football’s greatest clubs.”

Mata extended his contract for another year in July of last year, but he only appeared seven times in the Premier League in 2021-22.

“We didn’t have the best period in the club’s history, but we did have some incredible memories along the way in the shape of trophies and special moments together that will live on in my mind forever,” he continued.

“I wish the club and the new manager nothing but the best, and I truly hope this is an era of great football, trophies, and delight for our supporters.”