Juan Mata named Chelsea player of the year
Juan Mata has been rewarded for the entertainment he has provided in his first Chelsea season by the fans voting him the club's Player of the Season, official Chelsea FC website reported.
The Spanish playmaker becomes the first new arrival at the club to pick up the accolade in his debut season since Ruud Gullit in 1996.
“I just have to say thank you,” Mata said. “It is my first season here so it is even more special for me and I want to say thank you to my team-mates and the staff and all the people who voted for me. I am realizing what it means to play for Chelsea. I didn't expect it but I have had the opportunity to play a lot of games and enjoy English football. It has been an amazing season as we won the FA Cup in my first year and we have the chance to win the Champions League. It is history for this club and I will never forget this season.”