Ex-Chelsea, Manchester United star signs with Western Sydney Wanderers

Twelve years ago, when Alessandro Del Piero signed for Sydney FC, their nascent crosstown rivals Western Sydney Wanderers responded with a marquee recruit of their own, bringing Japanese icon Shinji Ono to the A-League.

History has repeated. Just days after the Sky Blues unveiled their newest marquee man, Douglas Costa, the Wanderers have followed suit: Juan Mata, the former Manchester United and Chelsea star, has joined the red and black for the upcoming season.

Spanish international Juan Mata will play for the Wanderers this season.Credit: Getty

Mata, 36, has penned a one-year deal with Alen Stajcic’s side, adding another layer of intrigue to the season-opening Sydney derby on October 19 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.

The veteran midfielder, who won the 2010 World Cup with Spain, boasts one of the most glittering resumes ever seen in Australian club football, as a UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea and an FA Cup winner with United from a decade-long stint in the Premier League.

“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 ever, though, when it comes to big-name players who arrive here at the end of their careers, there is a question mark over Mata’s fitness and durability.

Mata has not played competitive football in almost a year. His last appearance was a 10-minute spell off the bench for J.League outfit Vissel Kobe in September 2023, and it was his only game for the club. His last one before that was for Turkish club Galatasaray in the middle of that year, and he made only three league starts in his season there in 2022-23.

In all, he has played just 19 times in the two years since he left Manchester United, with an average of less than 27 minutes per appearance.

If Mata can actually play, he shapes as an intriguing addition for the Wanderers and will provide another handy boost in visibility for the A-League this season.

Juan Mata during his time with Manchester United.Credit: AP

Stajcic described Mata’s signing as “priceless” for the club.

“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,” he said.

“Juan will help our team perform on the field but even more critically, he will be an important figure in turbocharging 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.”

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