Former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata has landed at a former Asian Champions League winner in his latest club move.
The 36-year-old had been without a team since departing J1 League side Vissel Kobe in February, the club that previously had fellow Spaniards David Villa and Andres Iniesta on the books.
Mata also spent the summer training with Danish club Nordsjaelland to keep fit, but a move never materialised.
Instead, the World Cup and Champions League winner has become the latest marquee recruit to head to Australia, signing a one-year deal with A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.
Mata arrives in the western suburbs of Sydney with an unbelievable trophy haul having won the Champions League with Chelsea, a World Cup and European Championship with Spain and two FA Cups with Manchester United.
Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic was elated to have secured the signature of a player of Mata’s calibre and believes his experience will be vital for the club’s youngsters coming through the ranks.
“The addition of Juan to our club and team is priceless,” Stajcic said.
“He is one of the most respected, gifted and awarded players of a generation and brings not only football talent and success rarely seen in Australian club football, but also a humility to share his experiences and insights.
“Juan will help our team perform on the field but even more critically, he will be an important figure in turbo charging the growth and development of our youthful squad.
“It’s a great day for our football club and I am sure all Wanderers fans will be excited to see what this team can deliver now.”
Mata added: “I’m really excited to join the Western Sydney Wanderers, the only Australian team to ever win the Asian Champions League, and I cannot wait to arrive and train with the team to prepare for the season ahead.
“I’m feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another Championship in a different league!”
2
The Wanderers remain the only club from Australia to have won Asian football’s biggest club prize, taking out the Asian Champions League in 2014.
It was a remarkable feat from the club given they won the tournament in just their second year of existence.
However, Western Sydney has struggled in the A-League in recent years, making the finals just once in the past six seasons.
Mata is Stajcic’s fourth signing since taking over from Marko Rudan as Wanderers boss.
The Spaniard’s arrival is hot on the heels of former Bayern Munich and Juventus star Douglas Costa moving to the Wanderers’ bitter cross-town rivals, Sydney FC.
Costa moved to the Sky Blues on a two-year deal, joining former Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield winger Joe Lolley at the club.
