The popular Old Trafford midfielder has set himself a target after racking up more than 200 appearances for the club
Juan Mata wants to play until he is 40 - like former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs.
The Old Trafford midfielder, 30, has played more than 200 times for the club since joining from Chelsea in 2014.
And, while he has a long way to go to match Giggs' 963 United appearances, the Spaniard, who also played for Valencia, has more than 500 senior matches to his name.
He told Inside United magazine: “I would love to play until I am 40 like Giggsy did!
“I feel good, mentally and physically. And with more experience you understand the game better so you can position yourself in better situations and you can make better decisions when you have the ball, and when you don’t have the ball, so you can make up for your natural physical progression.
“For me, football is played with the feet but it’s also played with the mind and in your head.
"I try to be as focused as I can with my brain to make the right decisions, and playing like that I think I can play still for some years and that’s my aim.
“I am enjoying it a lot and I will try to push it as much as I can and I’ll try to catch Giggsy in years! In games it’s difficult because he’s played over a thousand or something, but in years I can try.”
Mata, who has made 21 appearances and scored five goals in all competitions for United this season, is in his sixth campaign at Old Trafford.
He has opened a restaurant in Manchester with his father and loves life in the city.
“The people in Manchester are what makes this city special," he added. "Obviously, the rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City is quite big, but everyone I find in the street, in the restaurants and everywhere, they are warm and welcoming and open."
United return to action with a home Premier League clash with Brighton on Saturday as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to extend his winning start as interim manager to seven games following Sunday's win over Tottenham at Wembley.
lezcmruyz
2
Juna Mata , The most humble player, good luck ,you will achieve your aim , everything is about determination, absolutely you will get here.
Hiyabdrtu
1
good luck to you mata...you can do it
Samuel Mavuka Mavuka
1
good luck mata
Samuel Mavuka Mavuka
1
mata is a big player let him go all the way
Maxidrey
1
obviously mata did not start his career as United player so there's no way he can match the record of Ryan Giggs
ghabbyexclusive
0
enough of emulation. just be who you are
It u same penaldo fans that will say penaldo is mbappe idol can u tell me why he cant emulate him
koobkr
1
that is good idear
HarithHaziq
2
Purely Man Utd inside! just give him 3 yrs contract!!!
VanishPrasad
2
Catch Giggs, he'll surpass him for sure
emillll
1
Ur racist 😡😡😡
Dudeee you really retarded
niccny
2
All the best in your career
TonyV25
0
Ur racist 😡😡😡
You are retarded How my sentence say that I'm a racist? 🤣🤣
RealMd13
3
Now what does that mean?
Ur racist 😡😡😡
TonyV25
0
Is mata black?
Now what does that mean?
RealMd13
3
His age isn't an issue cause he is still playing really well and is involved in almost our every goal... He is an important player for us
Is mata black?
TonyV25
0
Is old and he needs to leave Nooooooooow
His age isn't an issue cause he is still playing really well and is involved in almost our every goal... He is an important player for us
Vincent385
1
mata you can make it, Countians worker hard.
RealMd13
2
What does that even mean? Mata is the most loved Players by our fans
Is old and he needs to leave Nooooooooow
TonyV25
0
I will try to catch Giggsy - Mata wants to play until he is 40 Manchester United fans: 💔 💊 💊 💊
[image]
What does that even mean? Mata is the most loved Players by our fans
ramaiksty
2
He is a very good player
RealMd13
5
I will try to catch Giggsy - Mata wants to play until he is 40 Manchester United fans: 💔 💊 💊 💊
JohnAndsen
0
You are too lazy Mata so you won't reach there. Good luck!
Edoo87
1
good luck
Fizceik
0
enough of emulation. just be who you are
davyquan
0
the guy need a move out of EPL now he is old an he can not keep the pace kao make the right choice brother man
JamesKwoffie
0
Mata!! do you see him with that trophy?? that is the only way to emulate him .He made his glory through hard work and determination. a true fantastic player and a mentor to emulate.