Juan Mata penned a glowing tribute to his Manchester United teammate Michael Carrick, who will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season, on his weekly blog as he called the 36-year-old one of the easiest footballers to play with.
“Class. On and off the pitch. That is, for sure, the best way to describe Michael in just one word. Class in every minute of his football, making things easy, understanding the game, making the right choices and always looking ahead,” Mata penned.
“Playing with Michael is a blessing because you know he’s going to find you. All you have to do is make a move to find a line of pass, and he will take care of the rest with his feet and his mind.”
Carrick, who joined United in the summer of 2006 from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, played 464 times for the Red Devils over the course of 12 trophy-laden years.
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“Michael is the right example to show that, in football, you need not only physical conditions but your mind as well. That’s how our number 16 plays: thinking, understanding, analysing the game.”
And while he will no longer be a player, Carrick will remain a part of the club as he joins manager Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff and is expected to become the Portuguese’s assistant in the coming years.
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“He is, no doubt, one of the best midfielders of his generation, although in certain moments he has been underrated – never by his team-mates nor by any other colleague in this sport, for if you like football you like Carrick. As a captain he has always led by example, with no need to raise his voice, using words that were full of common sense, passion and experience.
Everybody respects Michael, for his impeccable career and the way he is. Thank you so much for everything, my friend, and good luck in the future. I played with Michael Carrick!”
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Mata of course, would have been remiss if he didn’t include the impending FA Cup final in his weekly post and the diminutive Spaniard insisted the Red Devils will give their best to ensure the fans have something to cheer for come Saturday.
“We don’t forget about the FA Cup final. As from this Monday we focus on the last (and big) game of the season. We are looking forward to adding a happy ending to the season!”