Former Chelsea and Manchester United player, Juan Mata, has found a new club after half a season without a club.
The veteran midfielder, now 36, looked to be in the twilight of his career after playing just once for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, who he joined last September.
Now as The Sun reports, Mata, who won the FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League and a Champions League across a Premier League career with Chelsea and United, looks set to return to the field after six months out of action.
The Spaniard was recently snapped training with former Chelsea team-mate Michael Essien, currently the assistant manager at FC Nordsjaelland.
He has been training with the Danish outfit as he looks for his next contract after leaving Vissel Kobe – but not before helping them to the top of the J-League.
Juan Mata played a single match for J-League champions, Vissel Kobe, last season
The cult figure for both United and Chelsea is now training with Danish club, FC Nordsjaelland
It’s at FC Nordsjaelland has Mata linked-up with former Chelsea teammate, Michael Essien
Mata left a heartfelt message to Vissel fans on his Instagram, saying: ‘Thank you very much to all my team-mates and all the people who are part of Vissel Kobe for these unique months with you.
‘It has been an incredibly interesting experience that ended in the best possible way, making history, winning the league for the first time for our club.
‘I’m really happy to have been part of your family at such an important moment that will be remembered forever! I wish you all the very best for the future!’
He paid special thanks to the fans, saying: ‘Of course, thank you very much to our fans, you are my most special memory of these months, and I will keep your love and respect with me forever. Incredible people, incredible culture. I’ve learned so much from you.
‘I’m looking forward to continuing enjoying football somewhere else, and hopefully to keep winning trophies, let the streak continue!’
Juan Mata won the first championship of his career in 2023, playing for Turkish club Galatasaray
Mata has won virtually every major honour for the European clubs he’s played for, including Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester United, but it was a championship that had eluded him, until he ended up playing for Turkish giants, Galatasaray.
It was at Gala, Mata was part of the Super Lig-winning team of 2022-23, before adding a second championship to his CV, at Kobe.
