Juan Mata reveals how his relationship with Jose Mourinho was at Chelsea

Juan Mata has lifted the lid on his exit from Chelsea this season, claiming he was never given a reason as to why Jose Mourinho would constantly drop him from the starting XI and that he never questioned why either.

The Spaniard left Stamford Bridge in January this year to join Manchester United in a £37.1million deal and scored his sixth goal for his new club in United’s final day 1-1 draw away to Southampton on Sunday, having gone from player of the season to bench warmer in the six months at Chelsea since Mourinho took charge.

Some pundits have questioned Mourinho’s decision to let Mata leave and Mata has claimed there is no ill feeling towards the club, but the Portuguese tactician never explained his reasons for ditching him.

Mata told reporters, “No, we never talked about that (why he was frozen out). Nor would we.

“When I played, I played. He would give me instructions. There are coaches who explain, but others don’t think it’s necessary. That is all.

“Mentally it was complicated. It was hard to leave Chelsea and I’ll always be grateful, but at the same time I was joining a great club (United).

“I spent virtually the whole time at home with my family, trying to stay calm, watching time pass, checking the phone. I went to the gym to stay in shape, because I hardly trained with Chelsea.

“Lots of teammates are friends and they call. Not to gossip, but ask how you are, to be by your side. I’m still in touch with people at Chelsea, there are good people in that dressing room, friends forever.”

Juan Mata has scored six goals in his 15 appearances since joining Manchester United, converting 35.3% of his shots on goal.