Western Sydney Wanderers have pulled off one of the most exciting A-League marquee signings in recent memory, landing former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata on a one-year contract.
The move comes just days after cross-town rivals Sydney FC acquired dynamic winger Douglas Costa, who boasts European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich on his CV, adding extra spice to the Sydney Derby.
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As well as the Blues and Red Devils, the classy attacking midfielder played in his native Spain for Valencia after leaving Real Madrid’s youth set-up and was most recently at J.League side Vissel Kobe, where he made just one appearance.
“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,” Mata said in a statement.
“I’m feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another championship in a different league.”
As a member of the formidable Spain side that featured world-class talent including Xavi and Andreas Iniesta, Mata won the World Cup in 2010 and the 2012 European Championship, coming on as a substitute and finding the net in the 4-0 final victory over Italy.
He will join Wanderers pre-season training late and only has about six weeks to get up to speed and gel with new teammates as well as new manager Alen Stajcic before Western Sydney host the Sky Blues in a Round 1 blockbuster at CommBank Stadium on October 19.
“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,” Stajcic said.
“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.”
with AAP