'New adventure' - Manchester United favourite Juan Mata announces shock career move

Juan Mata has signed for Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers FC in a shock career move.

The Manchester United favourite has been a free agent ever since he left Japanese team Vissel Kobe in January and was most recently seen as a pundit during the European Championship.

Mata, 36, trained with Danish side FC Nordsjaelland during the summer to keep his fitness levels up but has now taken up a very different challenge in what is a huge coup for the Australian domestic game.

The World Cup, European Championship and Champions League winner has signed an initial one-year contract for the Isuzu UTE A-League side and is eyeing another top-flight title in his illustrious career.

Mata's move to Western Sydney Wanderers marks the latest chapter in an extraordinary career that has already seem him play in La Liga, the English Premier League, Turkish Süper League and J.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,” said Mata after the deal was confirmed on Thursday. “I’m feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another Championship in a different league!”.

Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Alen Stajcic couldn’t hide his excitement after luring such an experienced star to his side. “The addition of Juan to our club and team is priceless,” he said. “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.

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