Chelsea’s Player of the Year Juan Mata has quashed reports linking him with a move to Barcelona, pledging his immediate future to Jose Mourinho’s side. The Spaniard, who is on duty with his country at the Confederations Cup, enjoyed a fine season at Stamford Bridge but it was thought Mourinho was struggling to fit the playmaker into his plans after the arrival of Andre Schurrle and the return of Kevin de Bruyne. Barcelona had been credited with an interest in Mata’s services, but the 25-year- old insists that he loves playing in the Premier League and living in London. ‘I don’t know where that came from,’ he told AS. ‘The last time I spoke with the club they told me I was a very important player to them and transmitted confidence in me. ‘I’m sure (new manager Jose) Mourinho will want to see everyone first and then decide what he wants to do.’ The ‘special one’ had been ringing Chelsea players to assure them of their value ahead of the new season, with Ramires and Kevin de Bruyne being told they will be involved in the team’s title hunt. It is not known if Mata has been contacted since he is on international duty in Brazil, but the midfielder was wary of saying anything about his new boss before they meet. He said: ‘You have to know people first before you can evaluate them. After the holidays and after I’ve rested I’ll meet the new boss and I’m sure things will go well.’ Mata is involved in a star studded squad at the Confederations Cup, with the World Cup winners winning all three of their group games, with a semifinal against Italy on Thursday. #5# 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup - Portugal Look to Cement Top Spot By Ikenna Agu Portugal have an opportunity to book their place in the next round of the under-20 World Cup when they face Cuba in the final group B encounter at the Kadir Has Stadium in Kayeseri, Turkey on Thursday evening. Portugal head into the game as favourites, atop of group B after a 3-2 win over African powerhouse Nigeria and a 2-2 draw against Korea Republic. Cuba on the other hand have suffered two losses from their first two games in the competition, going down 2-1 to Korea and 3-0 to Nigeria. Portugal will look to Bruma to fire them into the next round of the competition, the Sporting SP forward has found the net on three occasions so far in the tournament. Cuba will be searching for some pride, as they will return home after the fixture after failing to gather a point in their first two matches. A Seleccao das Quinas will need a high- scoring victory to be certain of topping group B, it will be though against opponents who have nothing to lose and are eager to cause an upset against 2011’s runners-up. In the other group B clash, Korea Republic and Nigeria will be involved in a straight shootout for a place in the knockout stages
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 14:43:57 +0000
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