Juan Mata Thanks Chelsea Fans for Warm Reception in Heartfelt Blog Post

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has used his latest blog post to thank the fans of his former club, Chelsea, after the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

A late equaliser meant United fell just short of an impressive victory, while the Spaniard was named man of the match and received a standing ovation from both sets of fans when he was substituted in the game's final minutes.

"It’s always special for me to play in Stamford Bridge," he wrote. "My feelings are different in a day like this...I have to say that I’m deeply grateful for the reception from the Chelsea fans and their applause when I was substituted. Moments like these ennoble football and it’s something you keep in your memory forever."

Mata spent two-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2012, before moving to Old Trafford in January 2014. He also had words of support for Blues defender Kurt Zouma, who suffered a nasty-looking knee injury shortly before the hour mark.

"I don’t want to forget about Kurt Zouma’s injury, I was very close to him when it happened. He left the pitch on a stretcher and screaming in pain and I hope it’s not a very serious injury and he can be back on the pitch as soon as possible."

[OneHourBehind]