Juan Mata may have scored only 22 minutes after making his Premier League bow in August 2011, for Chelsea against Norwich City. But as a midfielder, reaching 50 goals in the competition still seemed a tough task.
Nevertheless, the Spaniard achieved his half-century last month when he struck in Manchester United's 4-1 home win over Fulham.
"It felt so far away," says Mata after being given a special Milestone award by the Premier League, in association with Cadbury.
"It was important for me to score in the first game. From that moment it was a bit closer but 50 goals is a good mark, especially for someone who is not a striker. I'm proud of it.
"I remember also my first goal with Manchester United against Aston Villa, in front of the Stretford End at Old Trafford, which was a dream as well."
'United fans remember that goal'
Mata has particularly fond memories of his brace, including an acrobatic volley, when Man Utd beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in March 2015.
"It's always nice to score against Liverpool," he says. "All the United fans remember that goal still.
"I've been playing football for a long time now but I still feel young, mentally and physically.
"I still feel that I have a lot of football in my mind and in my legs, and hopefully I can play for many more years."
