MATA LANDS IN THE A-LEAGUES: Ex-Man Utd, Chelsea star joins ...
Western Sydney Wanderers have lured ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Spain superstar Juan Mata to the Isuzu UTE A-League in one of the biggest transfers in the competition’s history.
Not to be outdone by rivals Sydney FC’s signing of former Brazil, Bayern Munich and Juventus attacker Douglas Costa, the Wanderers have brought another bona fide superstar to the A-Leagues, setting up a mouth-watering Sydney Derby in Round 1 on October 19.
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It is another huge coup for the Isuzu UTE A-League, with Mata bringing FIFA World Cup, European Championship, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League-winning pedigree to the Wanderers, having last played for 2023 J1 League champions Vissel Kobe.
The 36-year-old attacking midfielder is a 41-time Spain international, who won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 – a final in which he scored playing alongside the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Iker Casillas, David Silva and Fernando Torres.
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Mata also got his hands on the Champions League and Europa League trophies at star-studded Chelsea.
“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,” said Mata.
“I’m feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another Championship in a different league!”.
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Wanderers 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.”
A graduate of Real Madrid’s youth academy, Mata played for the club’s Castilla side in 2006-07 before joining LaLiga’s Valencia in 2007.
Mata was an integral part of a Valencia team boasting Davila Villa, Santiago Canizares, Raul Albiol, Ruben Baraja, Fernando Morientes, Joaquin and David Silva.
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That season, Valencia won the Copa del Rey for the seventh time in their storied history.
After four seasons, Chelsea spent around $AUD46million to prise Mata from Valencia in 2011.
In the Premier League, Mata established himself as Chelsea’s focal point and, in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge, he won the Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League.
United splashed the cash to sign Mata in 2014, investing $AUD72m to bring the Spaniard to Old Trafford – a club-record fee at the time for the reigning Premier League champions, who appointed David Moyes earlier that season following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
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In 285 appearances across nine seasons with United, Mata won the Europa League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Community Shield before joining Turkish giants Galatasaray as a free agent in 2022.
During his one season in Istanbul, he got his hands on the Turkish Super Lig title – the first league trophy of his career.
Mata then spent a brief spell at Japan’s Vissel Kobe, where the club won their first J1 League crown last season.
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“Juan is a born winner and his football credentials speak for themselves,” said Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson.
“A successful squad needs a balance of emerging talent and experienced professionals. Juan has played at the most elite level of professional football in the world with the silverware to match.
“Off the pitch, we know that Juan will play a special role in guiding our next generation of players. The Wanderers Academy will continue to develop some of the best young players in the country and his experience will be invaluable in helping them get to the next level.
“We want to wish Juan and his family a very safe trip to Australia and look forward to seeing him in Western Sydney soon.”
Mata is the latest new face at CommBank Stadium, after Bozhidar Kraev, Jeong Tae-wook (loan) and Jordan Holmes.
The Wanderers have also re-signed Nathan Barrie (2027) and Anthony Pantazopoulos.
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