Mata: Football is losing its essence
The Spanish playmaker, who is running a campaign to get footballers to donate 1% of their salaries to charity, believes people are now more concerned with boots and haircuts than football itself.
Juan Mata has given an interview with 'Panenka', where he discussed his concerns about the over-commercialisation of football, saying he fears the game is "losing its essence".
The Manchester United midfielder runs a charity called 'Common Goal', which encourages footballers to donate 1% of their wages in order to support football charities across the globe.
Mata is worried about the impact of the commercial aspect of the game is having, saying: "I see children now and many things surprise me: they ask me about my boots and why I don't die my hair. I wonder 'Why don't you talk to me about how to cross the ball, control it, the position of the body when I strike the ball?'"
"Previously, kids wanted a ball; nowadays they want boots and jerseys, they don't have a ball and they cannot play too much. Yet they don't mind because they can show off their boots and shirt and that's enough. Football is losing its essence, people talk about celebrations instead of goals."
He conceded that he understood the reasons for the commercial aspects of the game, stating: "New boots and videos filmed by players have the biggest reach and I get it to a certain extent", but said it was not the same when he was younger: "I am not so old but when I started out, we had none of this. We did not have the need to show the things we do and the good life we lead. That is dangerous. Social networks can be very positive because it's a great vehicle to communicate but perhaps things need to be done in a different way."
He went on to discuss his plans after football, claiming: "I would like to play until I'm 40 if my body allows me to. I will carry on with Common Goal. And management tempts me but it is an unforgiving role. A coach depends on whether I take a corner well or finish a chance in front of goal and really, what influence does he have over this when it happens?
"I understand that people take decisions under pressure but the process is not valued, only results. I also want to work with youngsters, warn them of the perils and remind them of their responsibilities because it is sometimes easy to fall off the right track needed to get to the top level. Psychology also attracts me and in football, the mental aspect is very important, because if the mind is not settled, the feet do not work either."