Life hasn’t quite gone according to plan for former Manchester United man Juan Mata after he decided on a move to a new club in the summer.
Juan Mata left Manchester United in 2022, after a whopping 285 games as a Red Devil. His next destination was Turkey, where he joined Super Lig giants Galatasaray following his contract expiring in Manchester.
The Spaniard never saw the Erik ten Hag reign at Old Trafford, with Mata opting for another European venture instead in a quest for new trophies.
However, his time in Turkey wasn’t a long one, instead, he opted for an entirely new footballing continent – with a trip to Asia now on his agenda.
Galatasaray parted ways with Juan Mata
Mata’s one-year contract at Galatasaray wasn’t extended, meaning he was available to leave again for free in the summer of 2023.
The midfielder made 18 appearances across all competitions for the Super Lig side, scoring three times and registering two assists for the club.
He struggled for regular first-team squad minutes at Galatasaray last season and his run in Turkey came to an end on 1st July – when the Turks decided they would be exercising an extension.
Mata then completed a move to the Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he was looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow Spanish legend – Andres Iniesta.
Juan Mata excited about his destination
Taking to Instagram after the news breaking, Mata expressed his excitement and high hopes for the time he was about to spend in Japan.
‘New beginnings! Thanks for the incredible welcome, Japan! I’m here! I’ve always been a big admirer of this country and its culture, and now 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! Thank you football for allowing me to live such amazing life experiences!’
His excitement has soon turned to disappointment
Mata joined the J-League side more than halfway through the season, with Vissel Kobe firmly in a title race.
However, since his arrival, Mata has featured just once for his new side, in what was an 80th-minute substitute appearance back in September.
What is baffling is that this hasn’t even been down to injury issues. Transfermarkt states there have been no recent injuries for Mata, and he has also featured regularly on the bench for the J-League side.
Mata is just genuinely not preferred to the other team’s regular starters.
However, it’s probably for the good of the team. Vissel Kobe currently sit two points clear on top of the league with just two games left.
The Spanish icon is a professional and will no doubt understand the reasoning for his exclusions. He knows better than anyone he’s getting a little past it now.
With the season ending shortly, who knows what is next for the creative midfielder? We wish him all the best in any future endeavours.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/SxowHBh