Mata's blog: My Dream Match At Anfield

Every week, Juan Mata pens a blog that documents his recent activities with Manchester United and, after scoring a sensational double in Sunday's 2-1 win over Liverpool, his latest effort is well worth a read...

This is one of those days when there is no need for words. As you know, it’s been more than two years since I started writing this weekly blog and I enjoy it a lot, but sometimes I find it difficult to choose the right sentences to express how I feel. Well, this is one of those times.

But I can tell you that this Sunday has been one of the happiest days of my career. When you start playing football as a kid on muddy pitches, for something so simple and wonderful as having fun, you dream about becoming a footballer one day to play in a game like the one in Anfield. I mean one of those thrilling games between two great teams and with millions of people watching from so many countries.

Manchester United and Liverpool have one of the biggest sports rivalries, and this is the biggest game in English football. I had been told that many times in the past and I have experienced that myself too.

Besides, the game was also important because both teams were close in the table, fighting for a place in the Champions League. After a great performance against Tottenham a week ago, we knew we had to confirm those good feelings at such a tough place as Anfield, and we did it. I think we performed at a very high level in the first half, and it’s true that we played better against 11 than 10. Football features these things…

Obviously I’m very happy for the team’s effort and performance, for such an important victory and for my goals. It has been an unforgettable day for me. As I have said several times before, I am the same player I have always been, with the same passion, the same abilities and the same hunger to get better. Hard work brings a reward and that has been the case this Sunday.

Beating Liverpool at Anfield, being lucky to score two nice goals and feeling your gratitude is something I will never forget. But we must be cautious: these are just three points in the race to our goal.

Many of you are asking me about the second goal and the truth is I don’t know very well how to explain it. It’s something you just don’t think about… it’s more a resource you use when you understand it’s better to shoot the ball as it comes rather than trying to control it and keep the play. Angel’s pass invited me to do so. It’s one of the best goals of my career, among other things, because it happened in such a massive game. And it helped us win.

Now let me sign off before you get too bored. I thank you and I share this big joy with all of you after this Sunday that I will never forget. Have a great week. Hugs!

Juan

Read more from Juan on his website, juanmata8.com.

Credit: manutd.com