Juan Mata to Vissel Kobe?

Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata is set to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe.

Mata, who most recently played for Galatasaray, had offers from Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

But the 35-year-old World Cup winner has opted to join the J-League side to experience life in Japan and compete for a new title.

Mata's fellow former Spain international, Andres Iniesta, played for Vissel Kobe until earlier this year, while another ex-colleague, David Villa, spent a year with the side from 2019.

Official, confirmed. Juan Mata signs in as new Vissel Kobe player after leaving Galatasaray

Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata has joined Japanese top-flight club Vissel Kobe on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old, who had spells at Chelsea and Manchester United in England, was a free agent after leaving Galatasaray on 1 July.

He helped Galatasaray win the Turkish title last season but struggled for regular first-team football.

Mata's honours in an illustrious career include being part of a Spain squad which won the 2010 World Cup.

He also won the Champions League with Chelsea, who he joined from Valencia, as well as the Europa League and FA Cup with both the Blues and Manchester United.

Former Manchester United star Juan Mata has signed for Japanese side Vissel Kobe.

The 35-year-old has followed the path of former Spain international teammate Andres Iniesta in moving to the J1 League outfit at the end of his career. Mata left United in 2022 upon the expiration of his contract, spending last season at Galatasaray.

The former Reds midfielder played 18 times in Turkey, but despite being tipped to join the majority in Saudi Arabia, he has opted for a slightly different route.

Alongside a picture of himself in his new colours, Mata wrote: "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!

Vissel Kobe will hope the arrival of Mata can help them towards the J1 League title. They are currently second in the table after 25 matches, sitting just one point behind Yokohama FM with a game in hand.

Mata spent eight-and-a-half seasons at United after joining from Chelsea in January 2014. The Spaniard became a much-loved figure at Old Trafford, registering 51 goals and 47 assists in 285 appearances across all competitions.

He was most recently in Manchester this summer, debuting his multi-part project 'The Trequartista: Art and Football United' at Manchester International Festival.

Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata has signed with Vissel Kobe of Japan's top division on a free transfer.

Mata joins Vissel Kobe
Was a free agent
Left Galatasaray at the end of the season
WHAT HAPPENED? In the summer, Mata left the Turkish champions Galatasaray and has now joined the Takayuki Yoshida-coached team. After stints with Valencia, Chelsea, and Manchester United in the past, Mata had been without a club since leaving Galatasaray. He now joins Vissel Kobe after the club lost Mata's fellow Spaniard, Andres Iniesta.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mata is expected to fill in for Kobe's former Rubin Kazan midfielder Mitsuki Saito who suffered a serious knee injury against Kashiwa Reysol on August 19 that would keep him out for a year. Kobe plays Kyoto Sanga on Sunday knowing that a win would put them in first place in the current J. League rankings as they are only one point behind leaders Yokohama F Marinos.

WHAT NEXT FOR MATA? The Spaniard will not be involved with the team during their game on Sunday, September 3 against Kyoto Sanga in a match for the lead of the league.

JUAN MATA has made a shock return to football - and is replacing a fellow Spain World Cup winner.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder appeared set to retire when he was released by Galatasaray at the end of last season.

However, the free agent put pen to paper on a deal with Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe.

That is the club that Andres Iniesta, who scored the winner against the Dutch in 2010, has just left after five years to join Emirates Club in the UAE.

Mata, 35, was offered the big bucks in the Saudi Pro League this summer following his Galatasaray exit.

The playmaker helped the giants win the Turkish Super Lig in his only season at the club after leaving Old Trafford in 2022.

However, he turned down the chance to go to Saudi because he wanted to experience the Japanese culture and explore the nation.

And he will have the chance to do that after signing a deal with the J1 League club.

Mata - who has taken the rogue No64 jersey - said: "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!

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"Thank you football for allowing me to live such amazing life experiences!"

Vissel Kobe are currently second in the table after 25 matches, one point behind Yokohama FM who have played an extra game.

Mata came through at Real Madrid but made his name at Valencia before joining Chelsea in 2011.

He won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with the Blues before making the switch to Old Trafford in 2014.

After eight-and-a-half years, he left United with winner's medals for the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League.

Mata played his part in Spain's World Cup triumph in South Africa and when they defended the Euros in 2012, racking up 41 caps during the golden generation from 2009 to 2016.

Press conference regarding our new family.

ヴェーチェイ選手とマタ選手(
@juanmata8
)の
会見の様子はこちらから

Translated from Japanese:

Press conference regarding our new family.

Vecie and Mata (juanmata8)of
Click here for the press conference

本日の試合のハーフタイムに
ヴェーチェイ選手とマタ選手がピッチでファン・サポーターの皆さまにご挨拶予定です！

ノエスタでお待ちしています

Translated from Japanese:

At halftime of today's game
Vecie and Mata will be greeting fans and supporters on the pitch!

I'll be waiting for you at Noesta

Welcome to Kobe !

juanmata8 !

visselkobe ヴィッセル神戸

【完全移籍加入のお知らせ】

MFフアン マタ選手が完全移籍で加入することが決まりました。


visselkobe ヴィッセル神戸


Translated from Japanese:




It has been decided that midfielder Juan Mata will join the club as a permanent transfer.