As someone who defies the typical definition of a footballer, Juan Mata is someone you’re just as likely to see walking around the Northern Quarter as you are kicking a ball around the training pitch.
Sitting down with him in the amazing Tapeo & Wine (which his dad owns) we talked about everything under the sun, including the charity of which he is its biggest ambassador – Common Goal.
The idea is for footballers to pledge at least 1% of their wages to the charity – helping support charities throughout the world with the aim of using the power of football to generate social change and to improve people’s lives.
As well as this we talked about his favourite places in the city, a world of wines as well as some rather obscure (and interesting) digressions.
While we chatted we were treated to some truly stunning Spanish dishes, including Huevos rotos con jamón Ibérico (Fried duck eggs with potatoes and Bellota ham), the classic Tortilla Española and a fantastic Roasted Seabass with sautéed potatoes and vegetables.
Tapeo & Wine, 209 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3NW
0161 832 2770
tapeoandwine.com
