JUAN MATA said goodbye to Manchester United fans by spending several minutes in the rain with them.
Mata, 34, helped the Red Devils to a 3-0 victory at home to Brentford on Monday.
Mata played his last game for Man Utd at Old Trafford on Monday night against Brentford Credit: Getty
The midfielder spent ‘several minutes’ signing autographs and posing with fans in the rain afterwards Credit: Getty Mata spent “several minutes in the rain” posing for photos and signing autographs for supporters after the match.
The Spaniard was soaked in the car park, spending time chatting and making memories with his admirers.
It was Mata’s first Premier League start of the season and could be his final game in United’s colours.
The midfielder bowed out in characteristic style and was a VAR decision away from nabbing an assist on the night.
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Man Utd are ‘dealing with’ Milinkovic-Savic, Ward-Prowse £75m EXCLUSIVE He delivered a perfectly-weighted ball for Cristiano Ronaldo to side foot home from the edge of the area.
It would have been a special moment for Mata but unfortunately VAR Paul Tierney found Ronaldo inches offside and the goal was chalked out.
There was a deservedly fine ovation for the legend as he was subbed off in the 75th minute.
The playmaker is reportedly not ready to retire or join the coaching staff at Old Trafford.
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The fan favourite’s contract expires at the end of the season which had sparked suggestions Mata could hang up his boots.
There has been interest from Spanish and Italian clubs, but he will have to take a huge hit on his near £170,000-a-week wages.
Mata joined United from Chelsea in 2014 and won the FA Cup in 2016, as well as the League Cup and a Europa League title a year later.
The attacking midfielder has amassed a total of 51 goals and 47 assists in 283 matches during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford.
However, he has only managed five Premier League appearances this season – the previous four off the bench.
But supporters were quick to applaud the World Cup winner on social media.
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No-nonsense Susanna makes Boris squirm as she grills him over cost of living One user said: “Sad to see Mata eventually leave. I am a big fan of his. A great midfielder during his prime time at the club. So long, Juan Mata. Thank you very much.”
Another added: “Model professional and lovely guy. One of very few players that is genuinely liked and respected by fans of all clubs.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
