Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 6y

Two Premier League players set to join Juan Mata's Common Goal initiative

Juan Mata is set to add the first two English Premier League players to his Common Goal initiative, sources have told ESPN FC.

The Manchester United midfielder had been the only Premier League player to pledge to donate one percent of his wages to charity since the project launched in August.

But that is set to change when the first two English professional footballers are announced on Friday.

Turkish international Hasan Ali Kaldirim is the latest to join Mata and a number of other footballers including Mats Hummels and Giorgio Chiellini, as well as Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann, in signing up.

Kaldirim, who plays for Fenerbahce, said: "Turkey is one of the most football-passionate countries on the planet.

"Having followed the evolution of Common Goal from day one, I'm proud to be the first Turkish player to make the pledge and thrilled to join one of the most unique and diverse teams in the world.

"I hope that all Turkish football fans will join me in supporting this fantastic initiative."

Mata has become the face of Common Goal, a collective fund which supports football-based projects around the world, after becoming the first player to make the pledge.

And he is keen for more to follow suit.

Mata added: "Hasan is a great addition to Common Goal and we are delighted to add a sixth nationality to our growing team.

"I hope that today's announcement encourages Turkey's football fans to get behind the movement and lend us their incredible support."

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