Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Juan Mata
Juan Mata would stay behind after games to wash dirty boots and laundry in a bid to help out Manchester United's backroom staff.
It was confirmed on Thursday morning that Mata, 34, will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of June.
The Spaniard, who memorably flew into Carrington by helicopter before joining the club in a reported £37.1 million deal from Chelsea, spent eight years at Old Trafford.
He scored 51 goals in 285 games for the Reds and lifted four trophies in that time, including two FA Cups, one Europa League and a Community Shield.
Mata was also known for his great work off the pitch during his time in Manchester.
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In 2018, he launched 'Common Goal' – an initiative in which he pledged to donate one per cent of his salary to a global charity that strives to give support to disadvantaged children.
And a year later, it was revealed that Mata regularly helps the club's kit room staff by assisting with washing the kit after away games.
In fact, according to a report from The Daily Mail, the Spaniard helps unload the dirty laundry after games, as well as cleaning up the boots and other clothing.
A source at the club spoke about his contributions off the pitch.
"Juan is a special guy, he has started to help the kit man and his staff over the last couple of months," they said.
"It sums up what kind of person he is. While his team-mates just jump into their flashy motors and zoom off after being dropped off back after away games, Juan has taken it on himself to stay behind and give a helping hand to the ordinary staff. It's a huge job to unload all the gear off the coach and takes a good while.
"People have been saying what a great gesture it is but to be honest it's just typical of the man - we are saying he has to be the nicest man in football."
The so-called 'nicest man in football' lived up to his name last month, when he stayed behind at Old Trafford to sign autographs and take pictures with fans in the pouring rain.
Despite a lack of opportunitues at United in recent years, the experienced playmaker has always maintained his class off the pitch and he showed that after their 3-0 win against Brentford.
Pictures emerged of the former Valencia man meeting fans at 11:45pm and beyond.
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