Former Manchester United star Juan Mata has revealed that one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s biggest rivals tried to sign him during his prolific career.
Juan Mata is currently a free agent after his contract with Vissel Kobe expired in January and the Spaniard subsequently departed the J1 League club.
The 36-year-old attacking midfielder was one of two major signings under former Manchester United boss David Moyes, who succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson.
Mata arrived at Old Trafford in the 2014 January transfer window after United agreed to a £37.1m deal with Premier League side Chelsea.
The former Spain international made 285 appearances during his time at the Red Devils, with Mata scoring 51 times and registering 43 assists for the club.
During his time at Old Trafford, the former Chelsea ace lifted a Europa League, an FA Cup and League Cup before his time at United came to an end in 2022.
Mata on Ferguson rival wanting him
Juan Mata made a real name for himself during his prolific spell at Chelsea after the former Manchester United player arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2011.
Signed from Spanish club Valencia for a reported £23.5m fee, Mata had a sensational impact during his time with the Blues.
The World Cup winner lifted a Champions League, a Europa League and an FA Cup before ex-Chelsea and United boss Jose Mourinho allowed him to leave the Blues.
Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, Mata opened up on how a Sir Alex Ferguson adversary in football tried to sign him in 2011.
Legendary former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger saw ex-Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas leave the club and sign for La Liga side Barcelona in 2011.
Mata revealed that Arsene Wenger wanted to replace Cesc Fabregas with a player of a “similar profile” and there was “contact” from Arsenal over a potential move.
“Cesc Fabregas left for Barcelona and Arsene Wenger wanted to replace him with a similar profile in midfield,” he said.
“There was contact, but it didn’t materialise.”
Mata on signing for Chelsea
Mata’s former Spain and Chelsea teammate Fernando Torres was already at Stamford Bridge before the Spaniard decided to leave Valencia in 2011.
The former United and Chelsea star has now admitted that Fernando Torres influenced his decision to sign for the Blues ahead of Arsenal.
Speaking on Torres and Chelsea, Mata said: “He did. He [Torres] called me during a pre-season I was doing in Asia and said, ‘I know they want you, the coach has spoken to me, you’re going to be very good, we need a player like you, you’re going to play, you’re going to make a difference.’
“He acted as an agent! [Smiles] I had a lot of affection and respect for him, so I let him advise me.
“He and his family helped me a lot in London. We have a great relationship.”