Ex-Manchester United star Juan Mata has extended his career by signing for A-League[1] side Melbourne Victory.
The Spanish World Cup winner, 37, is keen to continue at as high a level as possible after suffering a fall from grace last season.
Despite being one of the biggest names in the league at Western Sydney[2] Wanderers, who he joined for just one season in 2024, he was benched for most of the campaign.
Mata played 82 times for Chelsea[3] before moving to Man United[4] in 2014 before spending eight years at the Old Trafford club.
He reached almost 200 appearances and was one of the few mainstays over turbulent years.
Spells at Galatasaray and Japanese side Vissel Kobe followed before he joined Western Sydney. That decision has not panned out and Mata scored just once in 23 appearances for the team.
Juan Mata has signed for A-League side Melbourne Victory after leaving Western Sydney
The Spaniard (left) played almost 200 games for Man United and is still going at 37
It was widely anticipated Mata would play a key role but influence was limited.
Under manager Alen Stajcic, Mata regularly came off the bench but was not consistently trusted to start by his boss.
He will be hoping for more success in Melbourne, saying: ‘I am excited to be coming to Melbourne and to be part of one of the most respected clubs in the league and playing in front of the incredible members and fans.
‘I am driven and motivated to help this team win trophies, and to work with the club as part of a longer-term plan to strengthen football in the country.’
Mata’s glittering career has seen him bag a Copa del Rey, two FA Cups, a Champions League, two Europa Leagues and a World Cup.