Juan Mata hails Mestalla as ‘electric’ and calls Valencia a vital part of his life | OneFootball

“Electric.” Juan Mata’s one-word description of Mestalla framed an affectionate look back at his Valencia years.

“Mestalla will always be something very special for me. I made my debut when I was 19, and it was a dream come true. My father was a professional footballer in the Segunda División, but he never reached LaLiga. So for me and my family it was a personal dream to play even one match in the top flight.” He was speaking to Ultra Football on YouTube.

“Valencia, Mestalla, I can only feel gratitude. It was the period when I truly established myself in Spanish football, playing regularly and making my debut for the national team at 20. It is a very important part of my life.”

“I am very grateful to many of the coaches I had there, especially Ronald Koeman, who trusted me. When you are young in such a competitive league, you need someone to believe in you, and he did. He gave me continuity and I was able to score some important goals.”

“It was probably the first big night of my professional career. It was the semi-final against Barcelona at Mestalla. To score two goals that took us to the final was very special.”

“I remember the match, but above all what came after, stepping out on the balcony to greet the fans. It was the first night I truly felt I was becoming a professional footballer. That night was incredible.”

“The final was surely the best memory of my early years, lifting my first trophy and scoring in that match. An unforgettable moment.”

Source: Superdeporte