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Juan Mata: Old Trafford gives us strength

Juan Mata
by
Juan Mata
Monday 04 December 2017 13:23

Hi everyone. Once again I’m writing before an important match and that’s because the fixture list in December is very busy.

From now to the end of the year we have eight games scheduled. Last week we had two trips down south and we took six points from six. They were two difficult games, and two hard-fought wins, where David De Gea showed his immense quality in certain moments. The two victories give us energy and optimism ahead of the big challenges of this week.
Goals: Arsenal 1 United 3 Video

Goals: Arsenal 1 United 3

Our last match at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, in December 2017, was stuffed with great goals and stunning saves...

I know that all of you have your mind on Sunday's derby, but before that we have to play the last group stage game in the Champions League, and it's a very important one. Right now all of our attention is on the game against CSKA Moscow - we would be making a big mistake otherwise. We are proud of what we have done so far in the group, with four wins in five games, and we want to finish the job with a win at Old Trafford. CSKA need to win to reach the next round, so there's no need to emphasise the importance and difficulty of the game. It's a Champions League night at Old Trafford - there's nothing more to add.

On Sunday, it's the derby. The derby is always a special game. I remember the last derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford very well - last season it was in the EFL Cup. It was a very important win because it allowed us to move forward in the competition and, to eventually win it at Wembley. In this case it's the Premier League and - looking at the results City are obtaining so far, the game will demand a very good performance from us in order to win. Playing at Old Trafford will give us extra strength, and I'm sure the atmosphere at the stadium is going to be incredible.

 

For me, visiting Aleksander Ceferin in Switzerland last week was also incredible and special. The fact that the UEFA President has committed to Common Goal proves that we are in the right way and that we are many who believe in the huge power of football to improve the lives of millions of people.

I want to publicly thank the President. Both last Wednesday and in our previous meetings, I was greatly impressed by Ceferin. He’s someone close, down to earth and obviously with a global vision of football as a way to foster unity and a way of life for many people all over the world.

Besides, he is aware of the privileged position we’re at, and from there he wants to help with honesty and engagement. Rather than mere ideas, he’s turning his words into actions, as we saw last Wednesday. I’m lucky to cooperate with such a person and I hope he’s the first of many football leaders to join the movement in the future. Thank you, Aleksander, and your entire team for your reception and kindness at the Home of European Football.

I'm leaving you now - I hope to write again in seven days with very good news.

Have a good week. 

Hugs,

Juan

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