Juan Mata bids emotional goodbye to Galatasaray

Mata helped Galatasaray win the Super Lig title last season, one year after he left United.

Juan, 35, was a firm fans' favourite during his time at Old Trafford and returned to Manchester for the Manchester International Festival last week.

On Saturday afternoon, the Spanish maestro posted a heartfelt goodbye to Galatasaray on Twitter.

I am not sad because it ended, I am happy because it happened. 💛❤️🦁🏆🥇

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… pic.twitter.com/ALgV2e5ybT

— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) July 1, 2023

"I am not sad because it ended, I am happy because it happened," he began.

"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 Ozbek, 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 develop 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! Thanks Mauro Icardi for giving me the trophy I was missing, but you still owe me money from our free kick bets.

I WILL ALWAYS BE ONE OF YOU!"

Good luck on you next venture, Juan!