Manchester United veteran Juan Mata insists that his renewal of the contract is not a pension, and he can still contribute a lot. Last week, Manchester United officially announced a one-year extension of his contract until June 2022. In order to stay at United, Mata accepted a pay cut and is now paid £70,000 a week from when he first arrived, with a weekly salary of £100,000.
Mata, 33, would have become a free agent and could move to zero value for higher earnings. He also acknowledges that staying is not an unhesitating choice, but a deliberate one. Last season, Mata made only 18 appearances in all competitions, including a long-term absence at the beginning of the year due to the tragic death of his mother due to his mother's serious illness.
But Mata has said he hopes to win the trophy for Manchester United after a tough new season. "Yes, I feel happy, excited, fresh, and energetic." Mata told United's official website, "I didn't know it was the 9th season [for Manchester United], but time flew by. Of course, I've had a lot of good moments at the club and I've had a lot of difficult moments, but I'm going to stay and I'm looking forward to it and I hope the new season will be a good one for the team and for myself."
Asked if he didn't need to think at all before renewing his contract, Mata responded. "No, honestly, you'll have to think about it." He said, "It's natural because at the end of my contract, I became a free agent and, in today's football, if you're a free-to-play player, you're definitely going to get some calls from different clubs, taking into account the new stages that may arise in your career." But on the other hand, how I feel at the club, especially because of the development of last season, was probably the hardest season of my life, and I don't think it's natural to leave now."
Mata added that he chose to renew his contract because he felt that he could still contribute when he was not yet in retirement. "Of course, I stay because I still believe I can give the team a lot of things, and I think the club feels the same way. I'm very, very hopeful, excited to win a trophy here. Playing at Manchester United is special, winning a trophy is even more special, that's why I'm here, and that's why all the players are here."
Mata is a well-respected player at United, both on and off the pitch, with great skills, a scrappy spirit and a friendly personality, but also an extraordinary achievement, missing only one Premier League title trophy in his career.
Outside the venue, Mata is also passionate about public welfare, and his "Common Goal" charity plan calls on participants to donate 1% of their income, and Kantona, Klopp, Chiellini, Schmeichel Jr., Werner and others have joined. To date, £2.6 million has been raised for those in need, which will be used to help those in need get involved in football.
Now, Mata and Manchester United's sponsor, the international sports brand giant Adidas, has also been conquered by its personality charm and announced that it will join the Common Goal program and will donate 1% of its annual net profit. Mata is also pleased: "They have been my sponsors for many years and we have had a common goal from the beginning, so this collaboration is very special. Through the power of football, uniting, working together, and solving social problems together, I believe that anyone can achieve their goals."