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VIDEO: Juan Mata’s diving meant that he and Ander Herrera weren’t always as bromantic

Published 14:31 9 Oct 2015 BST

Darragh Murphy
VIDEO: Juan Mata’s diving meant that he and Ander Herrera weren’t always as bromantic

Homesport

Football's most famous bromance almost never came to fruition.

It's well documented that Juan Mata and Ander Herrera are like two peas in a paella and their friendship extends beyond the pitch. But they weren't always this chummy! Herrera has revealed that his football soulmate once left him infuriated after Mata dived during a 2010 La Liga game between Valencia and Real Zaragoza which led to Herrera being sent off. Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League The pair reminisced on the incident in an interview on ManUtd.com. Mata: You know we used to play against each other in Spain and it was not that nice! Herrera: I wasn’t tough against him because he used to dive! Mata: We were playing in a match, Valencia against Real Zaragoza, and I always say now it’s very nice to play with him. But when I used to play against him he was always speaking and doing things… Herrera: I was trying to make it difficult for my opponent! I knew what an important player Juan was for Valencia so I tried to make the game as hard as possible. And I was sent off in that game! Mata: They rescinded the card, no? Herrera: Yes because it was not fair! I will show you the video and you will see he dived! Check out the dive in all it's disgraceful glory! At least they've made up now. Nothing can destroy Juander.