'Thankful' - Chelsea and Man Utd legend ends eight-month unemployment with 'amazing' transfer

Chelsea and Manchester United legend Juan Mata has ended his eight-month search for a new club by putting pen to paper on a deal with Australian outfit Western Sydney Wanderers in what he has labelled an ‘amazing’ opportunity.

The 36-year-old posted an emotional message to social media saying that he was 'thankful' of the opportunity which comes after he left Japanese side Vissel Kobe in January. The Spaniard made just one appearance for that club and had since been spotted training with Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland this summer.

Mata, who has made 278 Premier League appearances, spent three years with Chelsea between 2011 and 2014. During that time, the midfielder picked up 33 goals and 53 assists, winning the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.

The player, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, then joined the Red Devils and spent eight years at Old Trafford. He won the Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup while with Manchester United.

Mata left the Premier League to play for Galatasaray in 2022, where he stayed for a year before making the move to Japan. Mata won the J1 League with Vissel Kobe last year despite on making one appearance.

Taking to social media platform X on Thursday, Mata joked that friends and family would have to make plans in advance to visit him on the other side of the globe in Australia.

He added: "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 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’m joining 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."