Spain’s Juan Mata during his presentation with Western Sydney Wanderers, on September 14, 2024
DAVID GRAY
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World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, former Chelsea and Manchester United player Juan Mata said on Saturday that his goal is to “keep enjoying myself” at his presentation with his new team, Western Sydney Wanderers.
The 36-year-old playmaker has signed a one-year deal with the aim of making a comeback in Australia after a disappointing experience at Japanese side Vissel Kobe, for whom he only played one game last season.
“It’s a long story. It was frustrating on a personal level not to have the playing time I would have liked,” said Mata, who trained with Danish side Nordsjaelland before joining the Wanderers.
“I’m ready to return, hungry to be on the pitch. I feel good and confident to have a good season,” he added.
“I’m very lucky to have had the career I’ve had, but I want to continue enjoying football and trying to win more trophies with my new club,” continued the former European champion with Spain in 2012.
Mata, who was trained at Real Madrid and made the leap to professional level with Valencia, won the Champions League (2012) and the Europa League (2013) with Chelsea, also winning the latter trophy with Manchester United (2017).
