Image Credits: Getty Images
After months out of football, Juan Mata appears to have found his new club.
After leaving Manchester United back in 2022 on a free transfer, Mata spent a season at Turkish giants Galatasaray. Whilst there, despite sporadic play time, the Spanish star helped the club win the league with three goals and an assist in 16 games.
Mata unexpectedly moved to Japanese side Vissel Kobe after his stint in Turkey, seeing out the remainder of their season.
Mata comments on his time in Japan
The Spanish midfielder moved to Vissel in September 2023 on a free transfer, hoping to support their league campaign. Vissel were crowned Japanese champions, lifting the J1 League title, despite Mata only making one appearance, lasting all of ten minutes.
Vissel Kobe clearly left a big mark on Mata who left after only four months with the club. Writing on his Instagram when leaving, Mata said: “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.”
He continued: “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!”
Being club-less since January, Mata appeared as a pundit during Euro 2024, however isn’t hanging up his boot just yet.
Juan Mata’s surprising new club
Now, as per his wish, Mata looks to be lacing up his boots once more with a return to Europe.
Images released on the club’s official Instagram page shows that the 36-year-old is now training with Danish club FC Nordsjaelland.
Returning with Nordsjaelland wouldn’t only continue Mata’s playing career, but would see a reunion with an old teammate. Ex-Chelsea midfielder and teammate Michael Essien is currently assistant manager at the Danish side. The pair played together at Stamford Bridge in 2011-2012, winning the Champions League and FA Cup together that year.
Whilst it’s not confirmed that Nordsjaelland have in fact signed Mata, the Spanish international will no doubt be trying to show he’s still got it in training, to see the next chapter of his footballing career play out in Denmark.
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