Juan Mata has completed his £37.1m move from Chelsea
to Manchester United in a record transfer deal for the
reigning Premier League champions.
The Spain midfielder had a medical on Saturday and has
signed a contract, understood to run until summer 2018.
Mata, 25, is likely to make his debut at home against Cardiff
on Tuesday.
"The time has come for a new challenge," he said. "I am
excited at the chance I have to be part of the next phase in
the club's history."
He added: "Chelsea is a top club and I have many friends
there but you cannot turn down the chance to join
Manchester United. I look forward to helping the manager
and the team be successful in the coming years."
Mata, capped 32 times by Spain, will be unveiled at a news
conference on Monday at 13:30 GMT.
He becomes manager David Moyes's second high-profile
signing, following the arrival in September of Everton's
Marouane Fellaini for £27.5m.
The deal also eclipses United's previous record signing -
Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham in 2008 - by £6.35m.
Mata, who joined Chelsea from Valencia for £23.5m in
August 2011, has been Chelsea's player of the year in both
full seasons he was at Stamford Bridge.
He scored 32 goals for the Blues and made more than 130
appearances but has failed to command a regular starting
place under Jose Mourinho, who returned to Chelsea last
summer for a second spell as manager.
"Juan is one of the finest playmakers in the game today and
it's a real pleasure to have secured his signature," said
Moyes.
"He's been instrumental in Chelsea's recent success, with a
notable 28 assists and 32 goals in his last two Premier
League seasons.
"I have been impressed with the excitement he has shown
to be part of the new Manchester United.
"I know our fans have admired Juan for some time now - he
has always played well against us - and I know they will be
delighted to see him in the red of United, starting on
Tuesday."
Mourinho praised Mata's contribution at Stamford Bridge,
having helped Chelsea to win the Champions League, FA
Cup and Europa League.
"I and everyone at Chelsea have massive respect for Juan
and his big talent, and when he told us of his wish to move
on because he wanted to play more, we did not want to
deny him this opportunity," said the Portuguese.
'We want him to be successful in his career and as well as
that, this transfer makes huge financial sense to us at
Chelsea.
'We are pleased Juan will stay in England - even with a
rival club. He is happy in this country and it is good the
Premier League retains such a talented player.
"Juan moves with our full blessing and I can speak on
behalf of everyone at the club in thanking him for his
fantastic service, and wishing him well for his future."
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