Mata eyes perfection
Juan Mata says Olympic gold would complete a 'perfect summer' but knows Spain will have to be at their best.
Last Updated: 15/07/12 5:44pm
Juan Mata has admitted that Olympic gold would complete a 'perfect summer' but knows that Spain will have to be at their best to secure glory.
Mata is preparing for the London Games having already tasted success in three competitions this year, winning the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup with Chelsea before helping Spain retain their European Championship title earlier this month.
It has been an unforgettable time for the 24-year-old but there is still more silverware up for grabs as Spain seek to claim the Olympic football title they last won on home soil at Barcelona in 1992.
Luis Milla's squad, which includes Jordi Alba, Javi Martinez, David de Gea and Iker Muniain, are highly fancied to do well during the Games, but Mata is refusing to get carried away.
Expectations
He said: "It seems that we must win the gold without even playing first, and that's not the case. There are other very strong teams, who have squads that can challenge for the title.
"We have to be isolated from these expectations about winning.
"We want to do as well as possible, but we know that it will be difficult."
Mata, who was also part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup, added: "Spain have won in recent years because behind the success there is sacrifice and a lot of hard work, and this is a good path to follow.
"Personally I've had a fantastic season, and if we win, it would be a perfect summer and a first season in England in which I couldn't have asked for more."
