Ander Herrera sends emotional message to 'legend' Juan Mata after Manchester United exit

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has sent an emotional message to Juan Mata after the latter's exit from Old Trafford was confirmed on Thursday.

Following confirmation on Wednesday that Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of this month, United announced that Mata will follow suit, bringing his eight-year spell at the club to an end. He joined United from Chelsea in January 2014 and made 285 appearances for the club, netting 51 goals.

His departure has been expected for several months, with the Spaniard struggling to nail down a regular place in the team in recent seasons. He played just 12 times for United this term and had to wait until April before he earned his first Premier League appearance of the campaign.

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But despite limited opportunities, the former Chelsea man remained professional and a firm fans' favourite. He gave it everything a United fan could have wished for every time he pulled on the famous red shirt, signing off at Old Trafford with a stunning showing in the 3-0 win over Brentford in their final home game of the season.

And now that his exit has been confirmed, former team-mate Herrera has paid credit to him, describing him as a legend.

"You told me that I was never going to regret signing for United, and you were right," Herrera posted on Instagram. "We spent five amazing years together and now you are leaving as a legend.

"Still we have representation of the three amigos @d_degeaofficial I love you both."

Herrera joined United just a few months after Mata checked in at Old Trafford, joining the club in June 2014 from Spanish outfit