Juan Mata has confirmed that he will not be leaving Chelsea this summer.
The Spanish midfielder told reporters that despite the transfer rumors, he was never concerned about his position with the English club.
"I was relaxed about the speculation because I spoke to the club and the manager, who said I was important to them. That was good to hear," Mata revealed. "It's very good - everyone wants to feel important for the club, I feel it, I'm very happy and enjoying training with the new manager. I hope I can improve on the last two seasons."
Many speculated that Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho was intent on moving Spanish players from his squad. However, Mourinho has recently voiced a desire to keep his current side and only acquire other players to improve it.
Mata said that he was excited to work with his new manager and further develop his working relationship with his teammates.
"Obviously when you play more with your team-mates you have more of a connection," Mata added. "Last season, we had Eden Hazard and Oscar coming to the club, this season [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Andre] Schurrle, but not too many changes."
"I'm sure we'll find a connection with the new guys, and we are all excited to be working with a coach like Jose. He did a really great job here a few years ago, and I think that we can do it again."
Real Madrid was one of the clubs heavily linked with the Mata transfer.
Chelsea has been in the midst of intense transfer talks for Wayne Rooney. The team has submitted two bids for the striker but has been rejected both times.
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