MARCA caught up with Juan Mata to discuss life in England, Rafa Benítez and David de Gea's expected departure.

You must feel like an English gentleman by now, right?

I feel Spanish, although I've been trying to pick up the best of British culture for four full seasons now [he laughs].

Five years in 'exile'. Do you feel more valued there?

Perhaps. It was as a result of Spanish football's fame and the shop window it created that I left, like many others. It used to be more difficult. But it doesn't just happen in football. Many have left to learn another language. I recommend it.

De Gea's leaving, which means you'll lose a table tennis opponent.

Lots of people ask me about him. He's a friend and I want him to be happy. He's currently one of the best goalkeepers in the world. From a selfish point of view, I would want to have him in my team.

Manchester United paid a record €45 million for you. Does that affect you?

If it takes up too much thinking time, it can be overwhelming, but I try to wear the tag with pride and responsibility. It's unusual for a big team to pay that much in the middle of the season together with a long contract.

You played for Rafa Benítez. Have you had any calls from Real Madrid?

I had him at Chelsea and we won the Europa League. It was a great campaign, my best in terms of statistics. Benítez knows how to get the most out of every player and get them performing to their best.

You've had many and varied managers.

I try to take something positive from every manager. Some more than others. Ronald Koeman gave me the opportunity to play regularly, Benítez was key for me, Vicente Del Bosque gave me my debut, André Villas-Boas signed me for the Premier League and David Moyes showed a lot of faith in me by going in to sign me.