Record signing Juan Mata visited the Manchester United museum in an attempt to expand his knowledge about the club’s heritage.
Mata, who joined the outgoing Premier League champions in January, took time out from first-team training to learn about the history of most successful club in English football.
The Spaniard, who already possesses a passion for history, took advantage of the unique exhibits on display at the museum – voted the Best Large Visitor Attraction at the Manchester Tourism Awards 2013.
Mata paidclose attention to the story of how United captured their first European Cup at the club’s museum, which has offered free admission throughout March.
Perhaps looking for inspiration for the club’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, the Spain international also examined the exhibit highlighting the club’s dramatic Champions League win against the German side in 1999.
The 25-year-old, who signed for a club record £37.1m, is cup-tied for the clash with the Bavarian giants.
“I wanted to know more about the history of the club, the trophies United have won and all the players who have played here,” he said.
“It’s great to know things and I think every player who arrives at a new club should know about the history of the club and what it means to play here.
“From the outside, you can see how big the club is but it’s only when you’re inside and you come to somewhere like the museum that you really realise how big it is.
“It was really important for me to come here (the museum).”
Mata has struggled to adapt to life at Old Trafford after his January switch from Premier League rivals Chelsea and is still yet to score in nine appearances for David Moyes’ men.
Image courtesy of bwin via Youtube, with thanks
