The departure of Juan Mata from Stamford Bridge in 2014 shocked many - not least because it was to Old Trafford.
The Spaniard had just won the Player of the Year award at Chelsea following the club’s Europa League winning campaign under Rafael Benitez, was in the form of his life and had become a fan favourite at the Bridge.
All that changed however following the re-appointment of Jose Mourinho, and the World Cup winner soon found himself isolated, making only 11 Premier League starts up until Christmas with Oscar preferred by the Portuguese.
Frustration set in, and the fan favourite was soon on his way to the Theatre of Dreams in a shock move and claiming to ‘be really happy to go’.
The fall from grace was not the former Valencia man's fault, thought it was monumental.
A player who in only 135 games had scored 33 goals and provided a whopping 58 assists had moved for pastures new and Chelsea fans were left wondering what just happened.
In a strange twist of fate however, history looks to repeat itself this summer.
The self-proclaimed 'Special One' has now followed the man he sold to the Red Devils to become their manager, and is reportedly happy to once again let the 28-year old go as he looks to build his squad at Old Trafford.
Mata again has been impressive at United, and should count himself desperately unlucky if he were to once again given the axe from the ‘special one’.
The door however, may just be open at Stamford Bridge, so here is why the Blue’s should do all they can to re-sign their once midfield dynamo ….
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE 5 REASONS WHY CHELSEA SHOULD RE-SIGN JUAN MATA FROM MANCHESTER UNITED THIS SUMMER
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Point to Prove
Mata left Stamford Bridge on a downer after such a previously successful stint at the club, and his departure may have dampened the memory of what was truly a glistening spell at the Blues.
If the Spaniard were to re-join Chelsea, he would certainly have the desire to prove his worthiness and once again regain his status as a fan favourite in West London.
Chance for Revenge
It is clear that the relationship of Mourinho and Mata is not one made in heaven. While he has had the chance to exact revenge against Chelsea during his United tenure, the 28-year-old failed to do so.
Instead of taking sight at his former club however, it really should be Mourinho however that Mata diverts his efforts to proving wrong, and given the chance at Chelsea he could just do so, and it would be just be oh so sweet.
Chelsea’s Exodus
While it will be a summer of change up north in Manchester, the same is also true of the West London giants, with incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte looking to put his stamp on his new club.
Many are rumoured to be leaving the Bridge, including attacking midfielders Oscar who seems destined for Juventus, Pedro and Willian who is subject to interest from Guangzhou Evergrande. That leaves plenty of room in the midfield should Mata want to make a return.
Familiarity
After a dismal last campaign, Chelsea will want to find players that will take little to no time to adjust to Premier League life so that they can quickly rejuvenate their success of past seasons.
Mata already as 5 seasons of English football under his belt, 2 and half of time spent at Bridge so he would slot right back into the midfield and certainly wouldn’t require the time to calibrate.
Welcome Arms
Most Blues fans were disappointed to see the once Spain international leave the Bridge, and not only because it was to rivals United.
Mata was instrumental to the Blue’s success during his two and a half year tenure at the club, and Chelsea are in the eyes of many yet to find a replacement for the one time PFA Player of the Year nominee. You’re always welcome here, Juan!