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Mata: My special relationship with Eric

The former is a shy, straight-talking midfielder, who is more than happy to let his team-mates take the limelight. Eric, on the other hand, certainly differs in this regard, and as a player, the enigmatic and philosophical Frenchman often appeared to revel in the drama football can throw up.

Yet, desperate their contrasting personalities, the duo have formed a strong friendship in recent years, as Juan explained as part of his MUTV Takeover.

Juan met Eric for the first time in January 2019, due to their mutual involvement in the Common Goal initiative.

“Eric Cantona has always been a very special player for me, since I was a kid,”

the Spaniard told us.