Juan Mata likes English food - except fish and chips

Despite boasting some of the most revered celebrity chefs in the world, English cuisine doesn't have the best reputation.

And now Manchester United's Juan Mata, normally an affable and contented sole, has put fish and chips in its plaice.

The midfielder isn't a new cod on the block - he joined Chelsea from Valencia in 2011 - and was warned about the local grub before his transfer. The Spaniard said he was pleasantly surprised, with one exception.

"On Sundays I like to try Sunday roast and I really like pie, beef pie - I think you have very good meat in England and very good fish," Mata revealed in an interview with Kicca.

He added, "The one thing I didn't like too much is the fish and chips. It's very famous but it's a bit oily. ...

"I like to go to English countryside pubs where they have homemade food and I really enjoy it - so I cannot complain about English food. And that's not a fake answer, it's a real one!"

Mata could enjoy a long career before he's fried thanks to his health-conscious diet, but should give his adopted homeland's treasured fish and chips one last try - just for the halibut.