Juan Mata surprised with heartwarming John Terry message in the middle of live interview

John Terry has tipped Juan Mata to follow in the footsteps of another of his former Chelsea teammates after retiring.

The Spaniard was treated to a surprise message from his old captain during an appearance on Thursday’s talkSPORT Breakfast show.

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Mata joined Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor live from Australia, where he currently plays for Melbourne Victory.

The 37-year-old has also enjoyed spells in Turkey and Japan since leaving the Premier League in 2022.

However, prior to his eight years with Manchester United, Mata played alongside Terry at Stamford Bridge.

Between 2011 and 2014, the pair made 75 appearances together for the Blues.

They also won three trophies during their time as team-mates, with Chelsea lifting the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.

Mata played a crucial role in their victory over Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final.

The midfielder grabbed the assist for Chelsea’s equaliser as his corner found Didier Drogba’s head to pull the English side level.

Terry sends message

Although he later missed their first penalty in the subsequent shootout, Terry still has fond memories of Mata’s part in the triumph.

So much so, that he surprised the 37-year-old with a voicenote during his talkSPORT interview.

The heart-warming message stunned Mata as Terry hailed the ‘little maestro’ and tipped him for management once he hangs up his boots.

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In the message, Terry said: “I just wanted to say a big hello to the little maestro and the guy that helped us win the Champions League in 2012.

“The man who took the corner that set up Didier’s goal, the header. I actually have a picture of that exact corner in my office thanks to this man and the trophy.

“What an amazing, amazing player, top, top player. More importantly, above all of that, a great man as well and a great person to have around as well.

“Always what I loved about Juan is in really difficult situations, he’d always see the best in a really tough situation.

“He always had a really mature head on young shoulders and I think people like him and Cesc Fabregas, they see the game in a completely different way to other people because they’re special, special talents.

“I think he’s going to be a top manager or a top coach if he goes into that space post-retirement.

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“Juan, I hope you’re well mate. I love you, I miss you and I hope to see you soon.”

Mata was left speechless as he smiled after hearing the message from the former Chelsea skipper.

The World Cup winner had only been 23-years-old when he joined the club from Valencia in 2011.

Mata on Chelsea exit

After just two-and-a-half years, though, Mata was sold to United by Jose Mourinho.

He has now lifted the lid on why he left the club after enjoying a stellar first two seasons in west London.

Mata explained: “It was in my third season, we had a couple of changes in the club with players and the coach.

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“It was a fact that I didn’t play as much as I was used to and I was of course not happy with that situation coming from those two seasons.

“I tried to keep going, I stayed professional, of course respected the players that were playing at the time and it came to a finish because in December I had the opportunity to go to Manchester United.

“We both, Chelsea and myself, thought that was the best option and also when you have the opportunity to play for a club like United, I think it’s difficult to say no.”

Mourinho succeeded interim boss Rafael Benitez at the start of the 2013/14 campaign.

Mata subsequently made just 11 starts in the Premier League during the first half of the season, failing to score and providing just two assists.

He would go on to win another Europa League and FA Cup with United as well as lifting the League Cup for the Red Devils.

Across his time in England, Mata made 278 Premier League appearances, scoring 52 goals and adding 56 assists.

Having left United in 2022, he joined Victory in September following a year with fellow A-League outfit Western Sydney Wanderers.

Melbourne Victory vs Adelaide United on 27 February kicks off at 8:35am in the UK and will be headlined by a special performance by Melbourne-based DJ Orkestrated, who will be performing pre-game and at half-time.

If you’re in Melbourne, tickets start from $35. Follow @GOMVFC on socials and visit MelbourneVictory.com.au for more information and to visit the Victory Shop.