Former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has signed for Australian side Melbourne Victory.
The 37-year-old, who was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad, joins after spending last season at A-League rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.
He made just seven starts last season and says he has joined Victory wanting more playing time.
“I’m not somebody that demands game time for just the sake of it,” said Mata.
“I really felt the energy in the club. I really felt that they wanted me here. I am driven and motivated to help this team win trophies and to work with the club as part of a longer-term plan to strengthen football in the country.”
Mata has had a decorated career, also winning the European Championship in 2012 with Spain when he scored in the 4-0 final victory over Italy.
After proving himself as Valencia’s talisman, he signed for Chelsea in 2011 where he won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.
He moved to Manchester United in 2014 for a then club record £37.1m fee, helping them win the FA Cup, League Cup and their first Europa League in 2016-17.
After he left Old Trafford, he has had spells at Galatasaray and Vissel Kobe before moving to Australia.
He is now set to begin a new adventure at Melbourne Victory. They were runners-up last season and begin the new campaign at home against Auckland FC on 18 October.
