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Former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata explained the reason behind his move to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers. The 36-year-old said that he had always been 'amazed' by Australia and really wanted to move to the country.
After being let go by J-League side Vissel Kobe in February upon the expiration of his contract, Mata spent a few months as a free agent. On September 5, his move to the Wanderers on a one-year deal was confirmed by the club.
He sent a message to his fans in a post on X, which read:
"Today, a new adventure is starting, and I’m super excited about it! I will keep enjoying this amazing sport by playing not only in a different country… but in a different continent: AUSTRALIA, HERE I GO!"
"I have always been amazed with your country and longed to live there… Now, I will do it in the beautiful city of Sydney. I’m joining 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."
"Feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another championship in a different league! Let’s go Western Sydney Wanderers, I’m one of you," the Spaniard concluded.
The 2024-25 A-League season kicks off in October 2024. Mata could potentially make his Wanderers debut in a heated derby against Sydney FC on October 19.
"It's a great day for our football club" - WSW manager expresses admiration for new recruit Juan Mata
Western Sydney Wanderers manager Alen Stajcic was full of praise for the club's new recruit, former Manchester United and Chelsea star Juan Mata.
The iconic Spanish midfielder spent 11 years in the Premier League. He bagged 33 goals and 53 assists in 135 games at Chelsea before moving to United and racking up another 51 goals and 43 assists in 285 appearances.
Alongside two Europa League titles and three domestic cup titles in England, he won a Champions League title with the Blues in 2012. He also made 41 appearances for Spain, helping them win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and EURO 2012.
Speaking of Mata's incredible talent and his illustrious career, Stajcic said:
"The addition of Juan to our club and team is priceless. 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," Stajcic added.
The addition of Mata marked the second marquee A-League signing in the past few weeks following former Bayern Munich forward Douglas Costa's move to Sydney FC.
