Juan Mata has confirmed he rejected proposals from other clubs before signing a new one-year contract with Manchester United this summer.
The Spaniard, 33, penned a new short-term deal at Old Trafford last week to extend his stay at the club into a ninth season since joining from Chelsea back in 2014.
Mata was technically a free agent for a brief time following the expiration of his previous contract and he has confirmed he received plenty of offers from other clubs.
While the former Valencia playmaker was flattered by the interest shown in him he admits he never had any intention of leaving United, as long as they wanted to keep him.
“No, to be honest, you have to think about it,” Mata told club media.
“Of course, because I was a free agent at the end of my contract and, as is normal in the football world, you receive some calls from different clubs and think about maybe potential new stages in your career but, on the other hand, the feeling of being at this club and especially because of how last season went, probably the most difficult season in my life, it didn’t feel natural to me to leave that way.
“Of course, also I’m staying because I still believe I can give so much to the team and I think the club believes the same.
“I’m very, very hopeful and excited to still win trophies here. It’s very special to be a player at this club and it’s even more special to win trophies and that’s why I’m here and all the players are here.”
