Mata: I call my mum before every single game

The playmaker and founder of the Common Goal charity is one of the most decorated players in the game, having claimed both major European trophies as well as a raft of domestic cups during spells at Valencia, Chelsea and United, but he remains very close to his family back in his native Spain.

In the second of four extracts we’ll be publishing from Juan’s new autobiography, 'Juan Mata: Suddenly A Footballer', our midfielder explains the lengths his mother Marta goes to in order to keep in touch with him...

“My mother has always been more worried about my physical wellbeing during a match than the result. That’s why, even now, I always call her when I’m on the coach on the way to the stadium.…