Juan Mata is hoping to complete the “perfect summer” with a gold medal at the upcoming Olympics, but the Spain ace knows that, contrary to some expectations, it is not going to be easy.

Mata heads to the London Games having already tasted success in three competitions this year, winning the Champions League and FA Cup with Chelsea before helping Spain retain their European Championship title earlier this month.

It has been an unforgettable time for the 24-year-old but there is still more silverware up for grabs as Spain seek to claim the Olympic football title they last won on home soil at Barcelona in 1992.

Luis Milla’s squad, which counts on the likes of Jordi Alba, Javi Martinez, David De Gea and Iker Muniain, are highly fancied to do well in London, but Mata is refusing to get carried away.

He said: “It seems that we must win the gold without even playing first, and that’s not the case.

“There are other very strong teams, who have squads that can challenge for the title.

“We have to be isolated from these expectations about winning. We want to do as well as possible, but we know that it will be difficult.”

Mata, who was also part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup, added: “Spain have won in recent years because behind the success on the field there is sacrifice and a lot of hard work, and this is a good path to follow.

“Personally, I’ve had a fantastic season, and if we win, it would be a perfect summer and a first season in England in which I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Juan Mata... success will be difficult to achieve in London.