Chelsea legend Juan Mata has completed a move to Western Sydney Wanderers, representing one of the A-League's biggest transfer coups in its history.
Wanderers endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, only finishing in seventh position in the standings and missing out on qualification for the Finals series.
However, now with Alen Stajcic in charge, club officials have made a statement addition with the acquisition of the 36-year-old.
Mata has been without a club since being released from his contract at Japanese side Vissel Kobe at the start of 2024.
📝 Bienvenido Juan!
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) September 5, 2024
We have tonight confirmed the signing of @FIFAWorldCup, @ChampionsLeague and @EURO2024 winner @juanmata8 for the upcoming @ALeagues season: https://t.co/N1hg9M0Ixc #WSW pic.twitter.com/wKkHrFMJLa
What have Mata, Western Sydney Wanderers had to say?
Having not played competitive football for nearly a year, the veteran is naturally eager to get back on track and play his part in an improved season for his new team.
Speaking to the club's official website, Mata said: "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.
"I'm feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another Championship in a different league."
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."
Ready to make Wanderland his new home 🏠#WSW pic.twitter.com/lUwDyQootZ
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) September 5, 2024
What has Mata achieved during his career?
Aside from a Premier League or La Liga title, there is not much that Mata has not won during his career, largely spent at Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester United.
His stint at Chelsea between 2011 and 2014 is the obvious standout, lifting the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League during two campaigns where he contributed an incredible 32 goals and 50 assists in 118 appearances.
An eight-year spell with Manchester United would follow, Mata winning an EFL Cup and another FA Cup and Europe League as well as making 285 appearances in all competitions.
Mata also played his part in a sparkling era for Spain, where he featured in squads that won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. Mata would earn 41 caps for his country, scoring 10 goals.
In 2022-23, he helped Galatasaray win the Super Lig title, making 16 appearances during that campaign, and he is now motivated to try to win more silverware in Australia.
Darren Plant
