Former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata seals his return to football at an unexpected club
Former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata has signed a former Asian Champions League winner in his latest club signing.
The 36-year-old had been without a club since leaving the J1 League side. Vissel Kobe in February, the club that previously included his compatriots David Villa and Andrés Iniesta.
Mata also spent the summer training with Danish club Nordsjaelland to stay fit, but the move never materialised.
Instead, the World Cup and Champions League winner has become the latest high-profile signing to head to Australia, signing a one-year deal with A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.
Mata arrives in Sydney's western suburbs with an incredible haul of trophies, having won the Champions League with Chelsea, a World Cup and a European Championship with Spain and two FA Cups with Manchester United.
Wanderers manager Alen Stajcic was delighted to have secured the signature of a player of Mata's calibre and believes his experience will be vital to the club's youngsters coming through the ranks.
“Juan’s addition to our club and team is priceless,” Stajcic said.
“He is one of the most respected, talented and decorated players of a generation and not only brings a footballing talent and success rarely seen in Australian club football, but also a humility to share his experiences and knowledge.
“Juan will help our team perform on the field, but more importantly, he will be an important figure in driving the growth and development of our young team.
“It’s a great day for our football club and I’m sure all Wanderers fans will be excited to see what this team can offer next.”
Mata added: “I am really excited to join Western Sydney Wanderers, the only Australian team to have won the Asian Champions League, and I can’t wait to get there and train with the team to prepare for the upcoming season.
“I'm grateful and excited for this new adventure, and I look forward to trying to win another championship in a different league!”
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The Wanderers remain the only Australian club to have won Asian football's top prize, winning the Asian Champions League in 2014.
It was a remarkable feat on the part of the club, given that it won the tournament in just its second year of existence.
However, Western Sydney have struggled in the A-League in recent years, reaching the finals just once in the past six seasons.
Mata is Stajcic's fourth signing since replacing Marko Rudan as Wanderers coach.
The Spaniard's arrival comes shortly after that of the former Bayern Munich and Juventus star. Douglas Costa passing the Wanderers' bitter rivals in the city, Sydney Football.
Costa has moved to the Sky Blues on a two-year contract, joining former Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield winger Joe Lolley at the club.
