Manchester United's Juan Mata "grateful" for positive reception from Chelsea fans

Manchester United star Juan Mata has praised Chelsea fans after they gave him a warm reception when he returned to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Spain international spent two-and-a-half years playing for the Blues before moving to Old Trafford in January 2014.

On Sunday, when Mata was substituted in the 95th minute, the midfielder received a huge round of applause from both sets of fans at the West London stadium.

In his weekly blog, Mata wrote: "It's always special for me to play in Stamford Bridge. My feelings are different in a day like this, but once the referee blows the whistle for the kickoff, in my mind the only goal is to win, to give everything you have to help the team and to enjoy on the pitch.

"I have to say that I'm deeply grateful for the reception from the Chelsea fans and their applause when I was substituted. Moments like these ennoble football and it's something you keep in your memory forever."

United are currently fifth in the league table, six points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City.