Juan Mata Joins Western Sydney Wanderers

Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has signed a one-year contract with A-League team Western Sydney Wanderers. The 36-year-old Spaniard has been a free agent since departing Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he made a single substitute appearance.

Mata has had a prestigious career, playing for prominent clubs such as Valencia, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Galatasaray. He initially began his career with Real Madrid's Castilla team before moving to Valencia. In 2011, he joined Chelsea and scored 33 goals in two-and-a-half seasons, earning the club's player of the year award for two consecutive years. During his time at Chelsea, he won the Champions League, FA Cup, and Europa League.

Mata moved to Manchester United in 2014 for a club-record fee at the time and scored 51 goals in 285 appearances over eight-and-a-half years. While at United, Mata claimed the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Europa League titles. His tenure also included helping Galatasaray win the Turkish Super Lig with three goals in 18 matches during the 2022-2023 season.

Internationally, Mata has been capped 41 times for Spain. He was a part of the squad winning both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, cementing his status as a decorated player.

Upon his arrival, Mata expressed enthusiasm for joining Wanderers, the only Australian team to have won the Asian Champions League. "I’m excited for this new adventure and looking forward to trying to win another Championship in a different league," said Mata. As his rich career history illustrates, Juan Mata's addition to Western Sydney Wanderers is set to be a significant one for the upcoming season.

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