Mata was interviewed by The Athletic and talked about topics such as art and football, his Manchester United career.
"I think it's curiosity - curiosity and desire to learn in different worlds. I always think that art and football have some similarities that have been overlooked, whether it's expressing themselves in some way, affecting society in many ways, or communicating with people."
Now 37-year-old Mata played for the Western Sydney Wanderers of the A-League last season. Although the team ended in a loss in the playoffs, his childhood club Real Oviedo returned to La Liga after 24 years. Due to the schedule, Mata failed to visit the playoff finals in person, but felt the joy and excitement through friends, family and Caszorla. As early as 2012, when Oviedo encountered a financial crisis, they bought stakes in the club.
Mata said: "I am particularly happy for Cazorla. In football, it is difficult for you to meet someone better than him. The challenges he experienced on a personal level are even more admirable. If someone deserves to gain all this, it must be him."
Talking about Manchester, a city he has lived in for 8 years, Mata said: "I love Manchester, Manchester, Manchester United, people here, and the recognition given to me."
Recalling his Manchester United career, Mata said: "I once hoped after I left In a few seasons, things will get better with new players and coaches. Don't get me wrong, Manchester United did win trophy, but I understand that the club has very high requirements and the current results may not meet the requirements. "
" Football competition is very fierce now, all clubs are improving, they have more budgets and better players... You really need a great coach and a good club culture to achieve good results. Now, although I'm far away in Australia, I think Amorin has a lot of energy, which is just It's what the team needs. He is full of enthusiasm, vitality and passion for work, and love for the club, and I appreciate that very much."
Speaking of Rashford, who is currently facing departure, Mata said: "I remember the first time he trained with us. I like him very much. I call him a 'genius boy'. He has no fear in the game. You can feel that at his best, he can win the game on his own at any time."
"As a Manchester United fan, as a friend of Marcus, I hope He can succeed at Manchester United because it is his club, the club he has supported since childhood. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but if he can stay and get real happiness back and enjoy football, I think it’s a win-win situation for the club and him.”
Speaking of Manchester United’s layoffs, Mata said: “It’s hard to evaluate for me, especially when I’m not at the club. Manchester United is indeed changing, and I just hope these changes will bring the best results because I hope everything goes well in the club.”