JUAN MATA has made a shock return to football after EIGHT MONTHS of unemployment.
The former Manchester United and Spain star has been twiddling his thumbs since the expiration of his contract with Vissel Kobe in January.
But the winger has found a new home… Down Under.
Mata, 36, has joined Aussie side Western Sydney Warriors, although the details of his contract have yet to be revealed.
The A-League side have yet to officially announce the arrival of the Spaniard, although they have teased an imminent announcement on their social media pages.
The Warriors will be the SEVENTH professional club of Mata’s illustrious career.
Mata started his career off at Real Madrid Castilla in the Spanish second division before joining Valencia in 2007.
He spent four seasons at the Mestalla before a big-money move to Chelsea, where won the FA Cup, Europa and Champions League.
Mata would leave Stamford Bridge in January 2014 to join Manchester United.
In EIGHT-AND-A-HALF seasons at Old Trafford, Mata won the FA and Carabao Cups with the Red Devils as well as the Europa League before leaving for Turkish Galatasaray on a one-year deal.
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And he continued his streak of winning trophies at every club he’s ever been at as he helped guide the Lions to the 2022/23 Sup Lig title.
Mata left the Turkish big boys last July but was scooped up by Vissel Kobe the following September.
He made a solitary appearance for the J-League outfit but was awarded a winners’ medal for the 2023/24 season, continuing his incredible trophy streak.
After leaving the Japanese champions, he wrote on social media: “Thank you very much to all my team-mates and all the people who are part of Vissel Kobe for these unique months with you.
“It has been an incredibly interesting experience that ended in the best possible way, making history, winning the league for the first time for our club.
“I’m really happy to have been part of your family at such an important moment that will be remembered forever! I wish you all the very best for the future!
“Of course, thank you very much to our fans, you are my most special memory of these months, and I will keep your love and respect with me forever.
“Incredible people, incredible culture. I’ve learned so much from you.
“I’m looking forward to continuing enjoying football somewhere else, and hopefully to keep winning trophies, let the streak continue!”
