“Arsenal & Tottenham Were Both Interested In Me”

Juan Mata admits he turned down a move to North London duo Arsenal and Tottenham before opting for a move to Chelsea.

The Valencia winger is in London to finalise a £26million move to Stamford Bridge and feels he stands a better chance of winning the Premiership with the Blues.

“I want to come to England to win trophies – and that’s why I accepted Chelsea’s offer,” Mata told The Sun.

“It was also a question of sporting achievement, not money. Arsenal and Tottenham were both interested in me but they did not compare with the Blues.

“I want the Premier League title and this is possible at Chelsea.

“Fernando Torres helped influence my decision but speaking directly with Villas-Boas was the decisive factor.

“He explained how his style will be based on 4-3-3 and how important I will be to his plans.

“Frank Lampard is a monster of a footballer to play alongside and the prospect of that is incredible.”

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes it was wages that was the main incentivise for Mata.

“We were in for Mata and close to doing a deal. But he didn’t come and Chelsea came in,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.

“Obviously they can blow you out of the water wage wise, and then he changes his mind and they get him. It’s all about wages.”

Submitted by Football Friends