A SCOTS guide at a whisky distillery was left stunned after he believed he was speaking with a Scottish football manager – only to realise it was a former FIFA World Cup winner.
The worker, known as Logan, was giving a tour of Glenkinchie Distillery in Tranent, East Lothian last Saturday and believed that he showing round former Hearts manager Robbie Neilson.
Whilst the guest on the tour was a footballing figure, it was in fact former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata.
The Spaniard was part of the Vincente Del Bosque squad that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and rounded off their success with victory at Euro 2012.
An image shows Logan and the former UEFA Champions League winner standing inside the distillery gift shop.
The former footballer wore a grey beanie, a white t-shirt and cream shacket with dark trousers and white shoes.
Incredibly, Mata does bear a striking resemblance to current Tampa Bay Rowdies gaffer Neilson in the picture.
The distillery worker confirmed that Mata – widely regarded as one of the more down-to-earth professional footballers – was an “absolute gentleman”.
The Partick Thistle supporter was left stunned and told social media users, “I have shaken a hand that lifted the World Cup”.
Logan shared the picture to social media over the weekend writing: “Doing a distillery tour asking myself why’s Robbie Neilson doing a weird accent, f***ing Juan Mata.”
The snap received over 3,500 likes with dozens of comments from football fans who were keen to know why Mata had opted to drop into the distillery.
One said: “That’s absolutely class.”
Another added: “That’s one of the most bizarre things I’ve seen in a while, ten minutes from my house, class.”
A third replied: “Did you tell him about the famous Partick Thistle? Does he fancy a wee six-week deal until the end of the season?”
Another commented: “Unreal that.”
