Juan Mata says he stayed at Manchester United because he believes in the club's ambition to return to the top of English football.

The veteran Spaniard was due to become a free agent in the summer before signing an extension.

Writing in his weekly blog, Mata said: "I would like to mention that last week I had an interview with Jason Burt from the Daily Telegraph.

"We talked about a lot of different things. Among them, we discussed last season and the weeks leading up to my contract extension.

"I told him that given the situation it perhaps would have been easier to leave, to accept that I did not arrive at Manchester United at the best point in their history and not renew.

"However, I believed, and still believe, that it was worthwhile to stay, to work so that this club returns to fighting for big trophies. I want to be here, working so that Manchester United can get back to what it used to be.

"This is my mentality and the idea I have in mind. I feel that this was also the mentality of the people who made this great club what it is, and that is why it is so unique and special."