Santi Cazorla backs Juan Mata for Chelsea first team return

Arsenal forward Santi Cazorla has packed his fellow countryman Juan Mata for a return to the Chelsea first team. Mata has so far been forced to bide his time and sit on the bench under new manager Jose Mourinho.

There has been some support from international team mate Santi Cazorla for Juan Mata; with the attacking midfielder linked with a surprise move away from Chelsea in the January transfer window.


"After two spectacular years at Chelsea, being their best player, playing at a tremendous level and being one of the best players in the Premier League, football has changed for Mata from one year to the next," said Cazorla.


"But he seems calm and convinced that he is going to change the situation and he has a lot of faith in himself. I think he will show that he is worth his place in the team at Chelsea, though it is difficult for him at the moment because going from being an important player to being on the bench is tough.


"As well as being a great player, he is a great friend for everything that we have been through together and I know that he is going through a tough time."