Juan Mata admitted it was a surprise that Chelsea were prepared to let him go.
The 25-year old Spain international has joined Manchester United for £37.1million, a club record, but indicated that he was shocked when told he would be able to leave Stamford Bridge.
"To be honest I think it's a bit surprising, but I have to say I am really grateful to Chelsea - to the owner, to the people working in the club and to the fans. The last six months were difficult for me, I didn't play as much as I wanted to," he told MUTV.
"I understand that football is a team sport and I respected that situation. But the chance to come to Manchester United was a great chance for me to carry on with my career, they are a massive club."
