Ex-Man Utd and Chelsea star completes move to Japanese side

Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has completed a move to Japanese side Vissel Kobe.

The 35-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Galatasaray in July, and ManchesterWorld understands he rejected offers from America, Dubai and Saudi Arabia before opting to join Vissel.

Posting on social media after the transfer was announced, Mata said: “New beginnings! Thanks for the incredible welcome, Japan! I’m here!

“I’ve always been a big admirer of this country and its culture, and it’s time to enjoy it here in Kobe. Grateful to everyone that made it possible. I will try my best to try to win another league title, we are in the race! Thank you football for allowing me to live such amazing life experiences!”

Mata will wear the no.64 shirt for his new side and could win a league title, with the club currently first in the Japanese top flight with eight games remaining. Mata’s former international team-mates Andreas Iniesta and David also played for Vissel, and he spoke extensively to the pair before opting to join the club.

The midfielder wanted a different type of challenge to those offered in the Middle East, while the opportunity to compete for trophies was also appealing. A move to Major League Soccer was another option, one which hasn't been ruled out in the future.

Mata, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, played 285 times for United and scored 51 goals. He won the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League with the Red Devils during his time at Old Trafford, having joined from Chelsea in 2013.

Mata departed United in the summer of 2022 and joined Turkish side Galatasaray, but made just three starts all season as they club won the league title. He also played for Valencia and earned 41 caps for the Spanish national team.