Chelsea’s new signing Juan Mata, who is set to join the club from Valencia for £26m, claims the other clubs who were interested in signing him ”did not compare” to Roman Abramovich’s men.
“I want to come to England to win trophies – and that’s why I accepted Chelsea’s offer,” he said. “It was also a question of sporting achievement, not money. Arsenal and Tottenham were both interested in me but they did not compare with the Blues. I want the Premier League title and this is possible at Chelsea.”
Mata also revealed Chelsea striker Fernando Torres played a part in his decision.
“Fernando Torres helped influence my decision but speaking directly with Villas-Boas was the decisive factor”, he added. “He explained how his style will be based on 4-3-3 and how important I will be to his plans.”
Harry Redknapp claims Juan Mata is only joining Chelsea for the money with the midfielder close to completing his £29m move from Valencia to Stamford Bridge.
Redknapp says Tottenham came close to signing Mata but the winger snubbed them because he was offered higher wages at Stamford Bridge.
The Spurs boss said: “We were in for Mata and close to doing a deal. But he didn’t come and Chelsea came in.
“Obviously they can blow you out of the water wage wise, and then he changes his mind and they get him. It’s all about wages.”
