A decade after leaving Stamford Bridge, Juan Mata takes a moment to reminisce about the incredible times he had at Chelsea. It was during this period that he formed a tight-knit group with fellow Spaniards, Fernando Torres, Oriol Romeu and Cesar Azpilicueta.
These four amigos didn't just play football together, they shared experiences, dreams, and, most importantly lasting friendships.
Quoted by Chelseafc.com, Mata said: "It was super important. First, to have Fernando, he was actually for me very important in the decision to go to Chelsea. He called me before when the interest was there and he told me how life was there, how the club wanted me and the coach."
"It made my decision easier. I had so much respect, admiration, and love for Fernando as a player and a person. He was a great help."
"Oriol arrived at the same time, and he is one of the best humans I’ve met in my whole life, not only in football. It was fantastic to be there with him, to get to know such an amazing personality. We speak a lot still."
"It was definitely one of my positives at Chelsea to get to know better Fernando and get to know Oriol, and Azpi who arrived later."
"We were more than team-mates, we were friends. I’m very grateful we spent so much time together, but we also integrated ourselves very good in the dressing room with all of the personalities and other cultures and nationalities."
"I think that was the key with winning the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Europa League, to have a great energy in the dressing room."
