Ex-Man Utd & Chelsea star Juan Mata announces surprise Harvard achievement

Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has revealed he completed a course at the prestigious Harvard University.

The Spaniard spent eight years at Old Trafford before departing in 2022 and has since spent time playing in Turkey and Japan. Mata has insisted that his playing days aren’t behind him yet, but the 36-year-old has already turned his attention to off-the-field interests.

Mata set up the charity Common Goal in 2017, part-owned a restaurant in Manchester, invested in Spanish side Real Oviedo and recently has turned his hand to some punditry work. But his latest line of interest has seen him complete a short-term academic qualification.

“HARVARD graduate!,” he posted on social media. “Incredibly proud to announce that I have just finished the wonderful Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports program at Harvard Business School.

“Thank you Anita Elberse and the whole team for such an amazing week! I was surrounded by wisdom, great energy and fun and I couldn’t be happier to have met all my inspiring classmates. What a team!

“Beyond grateful for this opportunity to continue educating myself and learning from different industries. Incredible experience.”

During a distinguished 11-year career in the Premier League, Mata won the 2012 Champions League with Chelsea and was twice voted the club’s player of the year. After he joined United in 2014, Mata went on to win the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League.

At international level, Mata earned 41 Spanish caps and was part of the 2010 World Cup-winning squad. Two years later, he scored in the final of Euro 2012 as Vicente del Bosque’s side beat Italy 4-0.