Former Spain international Juan Mata has signed for Australian A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.
It continues Mata’s recent globetrotting – after a lengthy spell in England at Chelsea and Manchester United – with this his third move in each of the last three seasons.
Mata, who joined the Common Goal movement in 2017, where footballers donate one per cent of their salary to the charity, has been a free agent since he left Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe in January and has joined Wanderers, who finished seventh in the 2023-24 campaign.
I’m feeling, again, very thankful to football for the many experiences and joy that keeps bringing to my life… 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… pic.twitter.com/qOfOdeE9ze
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) September 5, 2024
“I’m feeling, again, very thankful to football for the many experiences and joy that (it) keeps bringing to my life,” Mata wrote on X.
“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 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.”
World Cup-winner Mata has enjoyed a trophy-laden career, helping Spain to Euros success in 2012 before he won an array of silverware with Chelsea and Manchester United.
Since Mata left Old Trafford in 2022, the 36-year-old has enjoyed spells with Galatasaray and Vissel, but will now call Sydney his new home.
Sydney boss Alen Stajcic added: “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.”
