Juan Mata has been comparing the football in his native Spain with that which he has found in England, and reports favourably on his new home.

The 23-year-old made the move from his home country to west London in August and has quickly settled to life in England, but that does not mean it is without its differences from his native La Liga.

'I think football is experienced differently in Spain and the UK,' he said. 'In England the atmosphere is much calmer, people aren't allowed into the facilities here and London is such a huge city it is very rare that we are stopped and asked for photos or autographs. I think the fans are great and the whole way the football is experienced here is fantastic.

'Unfortunately in Spain from the fans' point of view there is a lack of real competition between the teams.

'From January or February onwards it is clear there is a big difference in the points table between the two big teams, Real Madrid and Barça and the rest of the teams that are competing. Here things are different and Chelsea is able to compete with other big teams and has a good chance of winning.

'Real Madrid and Barcelona have been doing well and growing very much in the last few years, doing very well in the Champions League, but there are a number of other teams right now who could create some problems for them [in that competition].

'I would mention Chelsea as one of those teams. This is a very difficult competition we are in right now and I think everyone has a chance.

'Chelsea is a team that gives their all when it comes to any competition. The Champions League is very important and it's something that's very attractive to us but we're also very interested in the Premier League and any other competitions we take part in.'

Despite the problems he sees with domestic football in Spain, there is no doubt that football there is enjoying its greatest period, with two of the best club sides in football and a national team that is both world and European champions.

Mata has a World Cup winners' medal to his name, and added to that this summer with a European Under 21 medal. He believes making that step back down was an important one.

'It was a dream come true when we played in South Africa. To play and win a World Cup for your country is the best moment you can experience as a footballer,' he said. 'I hope we can repeat that, but it was an unforgettable experience, especially for someone so young as myself.

'It was a really good experience for me and I wanted to share the experience I had gained with the Under 21s and went on to qualify for the Olympic Games. I am very proud to have been able to contribute something to that.'


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