The signing of Champions League winner Juan Mata by A-League Men club Western Sydney Wanderers has been hailed as “priceless”, as international football’s A-list expressed their enthusiasm for the former Spain international’s late-career move.
The Euro 2012 winner, who played 41 times in a Spain side known as one of the greatest ever, was announced as a Wanderers player on Thursday night. Although he is a long way past his peak at Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester United in the previous decade, Mata’s reputation ensured the announcement made global headlines.
Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas quickly replied to Mata’s post on Instagram in Spanish. The translation offered by the platform was clunky, but effective: “You’re a world trotter! Great crack! Luck!”
Former France and Manchester United fullback Patrice Evra also used Mata’s native tongue, saying “suerte hermano”, or “good luck brother”. Ex-United goalkeeper David de Gea now plays for Fiorentina in Italy, but he chose English: “The best left foot is back”.
Belgian star Dries Mertins, who was on holidays with his former Galatasary teammate in Capri just six weeks ago, also offered his best wishes. And there were many more past and present names gracing Mata’s replies, including Tim Cahill and other internationals with experience in Australia, Emile Heskey, Luis García and Alessandro Diamanti.
The globetrotting Mata – who has spent the previous two seasons in title-winning clubs in Turkey and Japan – told his friends and family to start preparing their trips. “If you are thinking about visiting, please plan in advance this time,” he said.
The 36-year-old said he was thankful for football providing new experiences and was excited to get to Australia. “I have always been amazed with your country and longed to live there. Now, I will do it in the beautiful city of Sydney,” he posted on Instagram.
“I cannot wait to arrive and train with the team to prepare for the season ahead. Feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another championship in a different league! Let’s go Western Sydney Wanderers, I’m one of you.”
Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic said Mata would help the club perform on the field, but also help develop its younger players. “The addition of Juan to our club and team is priceless,” he said.
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“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.”
But perhaps the best response of all came from the Instagram account of Parramatta Eels rugby league club, which – despite the competition between codes – pointed out the natural fit between the city’s western commercial hub and the Real Oviedo and Real Madrid junior. “It’s in the name,” came the good-natured reply from the Wanderers’ account.
Mata is the A-League Men’s second high-profile arrival this off-season, after former Juventus and Bayern Munich player Douglas Costa signed for Wanderers’ cross-town rivals Sydney FC.