Juan Mata admits that footballers earn “silly money”

We've all thought it, we've all had a go about it, but every so often it's nice to have a footballer admit it.

In a refreshing interview with Spanish television programme Salvados, Juan Mata admitted that footballers earn silly money for what they do. He said: "Football is very well remunerated at this level. It's like we live in a bubble. Compared to the rest of society, we earn a ridiculous amount. It's unfathomable." Mata added that while his £150,000 a week wage for Manchester United may be par for the course in the football world, it's a little bit ridiculous to what your average person on the street takes home.  

 (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

"With respect to the world of football, I earn a normal wage. But compared to 99.9 per cent of Spain and the rest of the world, I earn a silly amount," he said. The Manchester United and Spain midfielder was also quick to sympathise with the #AFM Against Modern Football crowd who feel that football's commercialisation has priced out the traditional fan. Saying "The business side of football makes it seem as though the owners are now more important than the fans," he said. Juan also made mention of being open to a pay cut.

"I don't enjoy the business side of football. I love the game. I love training and competing. I'd take a pay cut if there was less business involvement in the sport. At this level, we're very well paid and sometimes you start thinking there isn't much of a difference between x and x+3."

Ah Juan, thanks for being honest. Now if you could stop writing all of those blogs and get on with getting Manchester United into the Top 4 we'd be very welcome. What do you think of Juan Mata’s comments on footballer’s wages? Send in your thoughts to hello@JOE.co.uk, or drop us a message on Facebook.