Juan Mata says he will stay at Manchester United as he still has much to do in rainy England

Manchester United star Juan Mata has revealed his plans to stay in the Premier League for the long-term as he believes he still have "many things to do" at Old Trafford. The former Chelsea playmaker admits that he misses his family and does not like Manchester's weather, but is in love with the English football and its culture.

The 27-year-old left his homeland, Spain, in the summer of 2011 after Chelsea agreed to pay around £23.5m ($36m) to Valencia to secure his services. The Spanish maestro quickly conquered the Stamford Bridge fans, winning the Blues Player of the Season award two years in a row after helping his side to successive Champions League and Europa League triumphs.

But following the return of José Mourinho to West London he was forced to move on after falling out of favour. Some may though that it was the right time to return to Spain, but he instead made a £37.1m January move to Old Trafford.

Mata has since enjoyed his time at Louis van Gaal's side, but during a long interview with El Pais Semanal he suggested that he still has many years ahead at the club as he needs to conquer some titles, as he did during his spell in London.

Asked whether he would like to return to La Liga, Mata said: "Right now I don't even think about it. I miss family, my friends, but for I'm very well at Manchester (United). I have the feeling that I have just arrived here and I still have many things to do.

"Playing in England is a very positive experience. I advise every player to spend at least one year in the Premier League, because in terms of fans, the league, the structure… what football represents is fantastic.

"There is a special respect towards the player. It is incredible. You are playing a top-level team and even when you lose the fans still support you, looking forward to the next match. That gives you more eager to share the successes with them. It is different from Spain. Here they understand football in a very special way."

The Spaniard admits that the Manchester weather could be better, but his happiness to play in the Premier League and live the English experience compensates everything.

"The best thing (of leaving in Manchester) is the British atmosphere. In terms of music, many important bands came from here. Regarding the architecture, it is a very English city. There are many art galleries, museums, good restaurants…" he said. "What is less good is the weather. But I adapted well (to Manchester) after living in London before. I've already been leaving in England five years. Time is passing very fast. It seems like it was yesterday when I was in Valencia… I am happy with my time here."