Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has outlined his intention to improve on his first season at the club.

Mata drew many plaudits for his performances last season, helping the Blues to a shock Champions League crown and also contributing to Spain's successful Euro 2012 campaign as well as the Olympics.

The 24-year-old has been given an extended break following his busy summer and he believes that this could be important.

"The break was important for me because it is a busy season with five trophies," he told the Evening Standard.

"It was a busy summer for me with the European Championship and the Olympics but now I feel fit and strong. I want to play because I love to play football.

"My first season here was amazing for me but I want to improve. I can because I am still young and believe I can always get better. I would like to score more goals, create more goals and learn to defend better."

Chelsea's next Premier League match comes against Stoke City on Saturday.