Frank Leboeuf: 'Chelsea were right to sell Juan Mata'

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has insisted that the club were right to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United in the January transfer window.

Despite being a key player for Chelsea since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho decided that Mata's time was finished at the club and sanctioned a £37m sale to United.

Lebouef has backed Mourinho's decision by claiming that Mata did not suit the style of football played by Chelsea.

"I've never been a big fan of Juan Mata," Leboeuf told Perform. "I think he's a fantastic player [but] I think he doesn't suit English football.

"I guess Chelsea tried to find the new [Gianfranco] Zola. But Zola was much more powerful than Mata, and Mata is a little bit light."

Mata spent over two years at Chelsea following his move from Valencia.