Juan Mata ‘is ready for a switch to Japan after turning down Saudi offers’ as the former Man United and Chelsea star follows in Andres Iniesta’s footsteps to join Vissel Kobe
- Mata, 35, has chosen to turn down Saudi offers to go to the Japanese league
- With the switch to Vissel Kobe, he follows in the footsteps of compatriot Andres Iniesta
- Iniesta left the J-League squad and joined UAE club Emirates on a free transfer
Juan Mata, the 35-year-old World Cup winning midfielder, has opted for a move to Japanese club Vissel Kobe. said The Athletic.
Mata recently played a season with the Turkish Super Lig, Galatasaray.
The midfielder received tempting offers from Saudi Arabia and Dubai, but has done so decided to embrace the J-League and explore life in Japan while aiming for new titles.
His former international teammate Andres Iniesta made the same move in 2018 and spent five years on the J-League.
Iniesta played over 130 matches for Vissel Kobe and scored 26 goals.
Long-serving Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata announced he would leave in 2022
Chelsea’s Fernando Torres (right) and Juan Mata (left) pose with the 2012 and 2013 Champions League and Europa League trophy as they celebrate with the West London club
Manchester United’s Juan Mata and Cristiano Ronaldo comfort Anthony Elanga after missing a penalty during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match against Middlesborough
He then moved on a free transfer to the Emirates club in the UAE, which is currently ranked eleventh in the Arabian Gulf League.
Another compatriot, David Villa, also enjoyed a year in Japan in 2019.
Mata began his career with Real Madrid in 2006 and moved to the Premier League in 2011 after a three-year spell at Chelsea, before moving on to Manchester United.
With Chelsea, he helped the team win the Champions League and FA Cup in 2012, and the Europa League a year later.
After moving to Manchester United, he joined Louis Van Gaal for a record £37.1 million.
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