Juan Mata Posts Emotional Farewell Video Message To Manchester United, It's Been Described As A 'Masterpiece'

Juan Mata has posted a heartfelt farewell video message to Manchester United following his departure from the club.

Mata, 34, is out of contract at the end of the month and will be allowed to leave United after eight-and-a-half years at Old Trafford.

Mata first joined the Red Devils in a £37.1m move from Chelsea in 2014 and would go on to score 51 goals in 285 appearances for United, winning the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his time at the club.

On Friday, Mata released a farewell video message to United supporters on his Twitter account, alongside the caption: "Sometimes reality exceeds dreams. Thank you @ManUtd."

The video featured clips of Mata's career at United and shots of the Spaniard visiting famous landmarks in the city of Manchester.

"It has taken me some time to process the change that is happening in my life," said Mata.

"This is a message that, for many moments over the last years, I never thought I would be writing but, of course, all good things come to an end and my time as a Manchester United player has just finished.

"It would be impossible for me to express in this text all the feelings that I have been experiencing over the last weeks but, to sum it up, I would like to say I am the proudest man in the world having represented this unique club for the last eight-and-a-half seasons.

"It is something I would never have dreamt of, when I was little, as it felt too distant for a kid in Spain to, one day, play for one of the best clubs in the history of football but, sometimes, reality exceeds dreams.

"As I am writing these lines today, I couldn't be more grateful with what my career has brought to me, so far, and I am as excited as that little kid about what the future might bring from now on, the same passion for playing football as that kid remains inside of me.

"It goes without saying, I want to thank every staff member who works in the club that makes it so special, every manager, every team-mate I have crossed paths with in my time at Manchester United. We haven't experienced the best period in the history of the club but I did have some amazing memories along the way, in the form of trophies and special moments together that will stay forever in my mind. Thank you all. I will miss you.

"For you, our supporters, I don't really find words to describe how grateful I am and how special you have made me feel. I feel very loved and this is something neither me, nor my family, can ever be thankful enough for.

"Manchester is, and will always be, a massive part of my life, on and off the pitch. I really feel like an adopted Mancunian, living here and understanding what it means to be part of this singular place in the world and its culture is something truly special. I feel I belong here.

"I wish nothing but the best to the club and new manager. I really hope this is the start of a new era, full of great football, trophies and enjoyment for you, our fans. It's nothing more than you deserve and nothing less than what this football club should be about.

"This is not a goodbye but a 'see you soon' as I will keep coming back to Manchester, whenever I can. But, for now, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for letting me be a part of your history. I am truly honoured and proud and will always be one of you."