Chelsea

Juan Mata: 'Club World Cup is important'

By Liam Apicella, Features EditorPublished: 12 December 2012 12:52 PM

Chelsea's Juan Mata reveals that he and his teammates have travelled to the Club World Cup with the target of winning the tournament.

Juan Mata has insisted that ethe ntire Chelsea squad are eager to win the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

Doubts had been raised by several media outlets as to how seriously the Blues would take the competition, particularly when considering that they are competing for four other trophies.

However, ahead of tomorrow's semi-final against Monterrey and a potential final with Corinthians, Mata is adamant that claiming the title would round off a positive 12 months for Chelsea.

"[The FIFA Club World Cup] is huge for Corinthians and for the Mexican team. It's amazing for them but for us as well," he told the London Evening Standard. "We are playing in this tournament because we won the Champions League, which was one of the best moments in our lives and now we want to be world champions. It will make it an amazing year for Chelsea and for all the supporters.

"There are a lot of great players who have never had the chance to play in this tournament and we don't want to miss it. You never know when you will be playing this again."

Chelsea are also still challenging in the Premier League, FA Cup, Capital One Cup and Europa League.