• Premier League

Mata wants to stay at Chelsea - Mourinho

ESPN staff
August 29, 2013
Juan Mata did not feature for Chelsea against Manchester United © AP
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Jose Mourinho has quashed rumours of Juan Mata leaving Chelsea after declaring he remains a key player for the side.

Mata has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer, with both Manchester United and Arsenal monitoring his situation, and further rumours of a departure were sparked when Mata's father and agent were seen at The Emirates on Tuesday night during Arsenal's Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce.

However, speaking ahead of Chelsea's European Super Cup encounter against Bayern Munich on Friday night, Mourinho insists Mata is happy to remain at the club and will not be moving on.

"Everything is clear between me and the player. We have no problems. I think he's a very important player for us. He wants to be a very important player for us. He wants to stay. I want him to stay, the club want him to stay. There is no story," Mourinho said.

Mata was left out of the Chelsea side which drew 0-0 with United at Old Trafford on Monday night, but Mourinho revealed it had nothing to do with the speculation of a potential exit.

"He didn't play against Man United, it was my option. I have always reason for the options. I feel that it's my duty to explain to the players the reasons for my options - and I do. I don't feel it's my duty to explain to the media the reason for my options. I don't always do [it]," Mourinho said.

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