Juan Mata Hits Back At Redknapp Claims

Juan Mata has denied Harry Redknapp’s claims that his move to Chelsea was financially motivated.

The Spurs boss admits they made a move for the Spaniard but concedes the club stood no chance after Chelsea declared their interest in signing the 23-year old. Redknapp said recently:

“We were in for Mata and close to doing a deal. But he didn’t come and Chelsea came in. Obviously they can blow you out of the water wages-wise, and then he changed his mind and they got him. It’s all about wages.”

However, Mata denies those claims.

“That’s not strictly true,” said Mata. “You can’t believe everything you read.

“The Chelsea offer was very ­important to me and the only one that was worth considering. I just thought it would give me the opportunity to grow as part of a big club.

“Ever since I was a young boy I have been interested in the English league and Chelsea.

“I have always understood the importance of the teams that were fighting for Premier League ­titles.”

Chelsea are notoriously known for their excessive wage bill, with the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba on wages in excess of £120,000 a week.

Submitted by Football Friends