I am paid too much money - Mata News

Navigation: Home / News / Euro Soccer Update / I am paid too much money - Mata

I am paid too much money - Mata

By Daily Sports on April 25, 2016

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has discussed the 'ridiculous' and 'unfathomable' amount of money footballers earn.

Speaking in a television interview back in Spain, Mata admitted it was 'not cheap' for fans to go and watch United, and said he could understand why some people criticise the modern game.

Mata insists he would happily take a pay cut from the 'obscene' amount he currently takes home if it means football became less business-like.

He reportedly earns around £140,000-a-week at Old Trafford following his move from Chelsea in 2014.

"Football is very well remunerated at this level," he said. "It’s like we live in a bubble. With respect to the rest of society, we earn a ridiculous amount. It’s unfathomable.

"With respect to the world of football, I earn a normal wage. But compared to 99.9% of Spain and the rest of the world, I earn an obscene amount.

"The barometer we use for measuring our salaries is comparing them to those of our team-mates and what other players are earning elsewhere."

Mata also opened up about agents, and says they have a responsibility to look after players both on and off the field.

The Spaniard's agent is his father, and he reveals he has had teammates who have been given 'terrible' advice in the past.

"My dad is my agent and always acts with my best interests at heart," he added. "I’ve had team-mates who have gotten terrible advice.

"When I was younger I used to hear parents tell their children when to pass the ball as well as not to even bother passing it. I’ve had to tell team-mates that they were receiving bad advice.

"Every player thinks he’s Maradona when he joins a big club. That happens to all of us but then you start to notice it in the younger players.

"You see kids who think they’re rock stars; wearing extravagant clothes and driving fancy cars… and sometimes you have to take them aside and have a word.

"As long as you can keep a cool head though and continue working as hard as before, which after all is what got you to where you are, than you’ll be able to handle yourself".

• Culled from dailymirror.co.uk. Photo shows Juan Mata.

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 25, 2016