Juan Mata insists he is desperate for a chance to contribute to ’s bid for a top-four finish and says he ‘really misses’ playing regularly.
The 33-year-old’s recent cameo as a substitute against was only his fifth appearance of the season.
Mata is still enjoying training under but with it now reaching the business end of the season, Mata has sent a timely reminder to the German he still has a lot to offer.
‘I haven’t been playing as much as I would like this season and I really miss it,’ Mata told United’s website.
‘I’m enjoying training with my team-mates and I really want to show that I can enjoy playing and giving what I can give to the team.
‘I miss it and I still have a lot of passion and a lot of will to keep enjoying football.
‘This is a dream come true to be a professional football player so I want to play as much as I can and I feel good, to be honest: mentally, physically, I am of course ready to perform, so hopefully soon.’
Mata is out of contract at the end of the season and a lack of game time has led to plenty of speculation over whether he’ll be handed a new deal.
The Spaniard has reportedly received offers from La Liga, while there are also reports he could join United’s coaching staff.
However, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano recently revealed Mata has no plans to retire just yet and will wait until the summer to make a decision.
He tweeted: ‘Been told Juan Mata will not retire at the end of the season, it’s not even an option. He’s now focused on Man United and then he will plan for his future – his current Man Utd deal runs out in June.
‘Mata will not join Man Utd coaching staff, it’s not in his plans.’
For now, Mata will be focused on staying fit and hoping to play a part in helping United secure Champions League football next season – they sit seventh, three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.
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