Mata: I played with Michael Carrick!

Each and every Monday during the season, Manchester United star Juan Mata pens a personal blog. This week, Juan reveals his huge admiration and respect for our retiring captain Michael Carrick, after the two helped the Reds to a 1-0 win over Watford in our final Premier League fixture of the season…

Hi everyone,

Class. On and off the pitch. That is, for sure, the best way to describe Michael in just one word. Class in every minute of his football, making things easy, understanding the game, making the right choices and always looking ahead.

Playing with Michael is a blessing because you know he’s going to find you. All you have to do is make a move to find a line of pass, and he will take care of the rest with his feet and his mind.

Michael is the right example to show that, in football, you need not only physical conditions but your mind as well. That’s how our number 16 plays: thinking, understanding, analysing the game. He is, no doubt, one of the best midfielders of his generation, although in certain moments he has been under-rated – never by his team-mates nor by any other colleague in this sport for, if you like football, you like Carrick.

As a captain, he has always led by example, with no need to raise his voice, using words that were full of common sense, passion and experience.

Everybody respects Michael for his impeccable career and the way he is. Thank you so much for everything, my friend, and good luck in the future. I played with Michael Carrick!

Have a nice week.

Hugs,

Juan