Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has bid farewell to Turkish side Galatasaray with an emotional message.
The 35-year-old joined Galatasaray last summer after an eight-year spell with United came to an end. Mata had moved to Old Trafford in 2014 from Chelsea for a £37.1m transfer fee.
Mata went on to score 51 goals in 285 games for the Reds before bidding leaving the club last summer. He won the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League during his time at Old Trafford.
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Mata moved to Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray last summer after becoming a free agent, penning a one-year deal with the club. It proved to be a successful campaign as Galatasaray won the Turkish top flight title.
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But now Mata has confirmed he will be leaving the Turkish side this summer following the expiry of his contract with a lengthy Instagram post. He has thanked all those concerned with the Nef Stadium outfit after a season he has vowed he will never forget.
In response, Mata's good friend David de Gea has posted a heart emoji to the news. Former United team-mate Daley Blind has also reacted to the post with applause emojis.
"I am not sad because it ended, I am happy because it happened," Mata posted on his Instagram page. "To you, Cim Bom fans: I am so proud to be part of this family forever.
"The atmosphere that you create in our stadium and our away games is second to none, I can tell you that. It ALWAYS feels like we play at home. You are without a doubt one of the best fans in the world.
"Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for the love you’ve given me and my family everywhere: in the streets, in the stadium, in the training ground… You are unique and essential for the club. I wish you all the happy moments that you deserve. I will never forget you!
"To everyone at the club: My Cim Bom family. You are the club. Together with our amazing fans, you make this organisation special.
"We are the best team in the country because of your dedication, professionalism and most importantly love and loyalty to the badge. Thank you very much to all of you that give your time to make this club better and try your best for us players. I’ll see you all soon!
"President Mr. Dursun Özbek, thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for your amazing club. Special thanks to Erden Timur, your love for Galatasaray and your will to further develope this organisation is admirable. Your vision will bring the club forward. You are a good man, and that’s the most important thing for me.
"To my teammates: Thank you to each and everyone of you. I’ve been in many different dressing rooms, played with many players, but the camaraderie we had and the friends for life that I was able to make this season it’s something that I will never forget.
"It was special. I truly believe that the atmosphere that we created between us made us champions. We overcame the challenges as a team and we should be proud of it. We were able to work together selflessly with the same objective and that was key to our success. I will miss you! All the best to all of you, please bring the Champions League to Nef Stadium!"
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