Ep 4. Juan Mata

Juan Mata, the Spanish footballer and World Cup winner, takes centre stage in the fourth episode of Footballers Living Abroad. As one of the most successful players of his generation, Juan has enjoyed a stellar career with top clubs such as Valencia, Chelsea, and Manchester United. But in this episode, we get a closer look at the softer side of the football superstar as he reflects on his life, career, and his passion for giving back to society.

The episode opens with Juan reminiscing about his childhood in Spain, where he grew up playing football in the streets with his friends. He talks about how his father, a football coach, played a crucial role in shaping his career and instilling in him the values of hard work and determination. Juan's talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly caught the attention of professional clubs. He joined Valencia at the age of 18, and the rest, as they say, is history.

As the episode unfolds, we get to see Juan in his current home in Manchester, where he plays for United. He takes us on a tour of his house and talks about how he has tried to make it feel like a home away from home. He shows us his collection of books, including some of his favorites by Spanish authors, which he enjoys reading in his spare time. Juan also shares how he loves spending time in the kitchen, cooking Spanish dishes, and experimenting with new recipes.

Though Juan is a world-famous footballer, he has always been grounded and connected to his roots. In one of the more touching moments of the show, Juan takes us to Spain to visit the hometown where he grew up. He talks about his memories of playing in the local football team and reconnecting with old friends. Juan also takes us to the local football academy that he has set up to help young players in the area realize their potential. The academy provides training and support to aspiring footballers who may not have had the opportunities that he did.

Throughout the episode, Juan reflects on his career and how he has dealt with setbacks and disappointments. He talks about his move from Chelsea to Manchester United and how it was a difficult decision to make, both professionally and personally. Juan also discusses how he has dealt with criticism from fans and the media, and how he has learned to block out the noise and focus on what matters most to him.

In the final part of the episode, Juan shares his thoughts on what the future holds for him. He talks about his desire to continue playing football for as long as he can and his dreams of winning more trophies with United. Juan also discusses his post-football plans, which include focusing on his charity work and traveling around the world. He talks about how football has given him a platform to make a difference, and how he wants to use his influence to help those in need.

Overall, the episode offers a fascinating insight into the life of one of football's most-loved players. Juan Mata comes across as a humble, down-to-earth individual who has never forgotten where he comes from. The show highlights his talent on the pitch but also explores the many facets of his personality off it. Footballers Living Abroad continues to impress with its mix of sporting action and human interest stories, and Juan Mata's episode is another must-watch for fans of the show.