JUAN MATA reportedly rejected a lucrative £200,000-a-week deal from Saudi Arabia to stay and fight for a place at Manchester United.
Spanish outlet Sport reports the midfielder, 32, snubbed a big-money move to the Middle East, preferring to remain at Old Trafford for the last year of his contract.
Manchester United’s Juan Mata turned down a lucrative transfer to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Mata turned down a £40,000 pay rise as the former Chelsea star reels in £160,000 a week at Old Trafford.
The unnamed Saudi club improved on their initial rejected offer but it was not enough to tempt Mata away.
His contract runs until 2021 and Mata reckons he has plenty more to offer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Mata made the £37million switch from Stamford Bridge in 2014 and has played a key role in United’s domestic and European success since.
But Solskjaer is yet to use the World Cup winner in the Premier League this season.
Mata was not used in the 6-1 thrashing by Spurs at Old Trafford before the international break.
United have the likes of new boy Donny van de Beek, Paul Pogba, Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Nemanja Matic all fighting for places.
Mata appears to be down the pecking order with Solskjaer leaning towards a more youthful model at United.
Despite barely featuring for the Red Devils, boss Solskjaer acknowledges the benefits of having an experienced player like Mata at the club.
Solskjaer said: “His composure and experience [is vital] for a young team, I think he created more or less every moment in this game that was of the highest quality in an attacking sense.
“He is a very valuable member of the squad and a top professional. It is never easy to tell him when he’s not playing.
“He has had a fantastic career, he has won whatever there is to win more or less.
“He is an example for everyone to look at, how you conduct yourself and how you perform when you get the chance.”
Juan Mata chills out as he has a bite to eat in his restaurant Tapeo and Wine
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
