Juan Mata's first season at Chelsea saw him star in a side which claimed two major titles, but it is his intention to fare even better in 2012/13.
Blues playmaker plans to carry on starring for club and country
Juan Mata's first season at Chelsea saw him star in a side which claimed two major titles, but it is his intention to fare even better in 2012/13.
The Blues had to dig deep to secure Mata's signature last summer, but Roman Abramovich's sizeable investment paid off as he settled quickly at Stamford Bridge following a switch from Valencia.
The 24-year-old Spain international quickly established himself as a key figure in Chelsea's starting XI, with his creativity making the capital outfit tick.
He was snapped up by former Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas, but shone under Roberto Di Matteo during the second half of the season as FA Cup and UEFA Champions League success was secured.
Mata was named Player of the Year at the end of a successful debut campaign in West London, but he hopes there will be even more to come from him in the future.
"My focus is to continue improving," he told
Chelsea Magazine.
"I am young as a footballer and I have to improve my game and my statistics over the next year, this is what I will try to do. You cannot rest on what you have achieved, you must look to the future and hope for more success."
Unbelievable
With two winners' medals already in his collection as a Chelsea player, Mata is targeting further success with both club and country - even if that means being very busy in the next few months.
He said: "Lifting the Champions League was an unbelievable experience - the biggest club trophy you can win - and, for me, winning the Player of the Year trophy makes me feel very happy, proud and grateful.
"I could never have expected my first season to go this well. To win the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Chelsea Player of the Year, it is incredible and I am so happy, but I want more.
"I have the European Championships in the summer and maybe the Olympic Games as well, so, who knows, perhaps I can say that I have won nearly everything I have played in this year."
