Former Manchester United fan favourite Juan Mata becomes free agent

Juan Mata left Man United in the summer of 2022 and he's since enjoyed stints in Turkey and most recently Japan.

Former Manchester United player Juan Mata has become a free agent after leaving Japanese club Vissel Kobe.

Mata signed a four-month deal halfway through the Japanese season and he made just one appearance from the bench in a campaign in which the club were crowned J. League champions. The ex-United star has departed Kobe following the expiry of his contract and he's a free agent again. He will now consider his options and it's possible he could hang up his boots.

"I would like to sincerely thank all my teammates, staff, and supporters with whom I have spent the past few months," Mata said in a statement confirming his departure from Kobe.

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"I am very happy to have been part of the club's historic moment in winning the league for the first time. I will never forget the memories we spent together. I hope that you will continue to have the greatest happiness. Muchas gracias."

Mata joined the Japanese side from Galatasaray where he also won a league title. "Wasn’t able to win a domestic league in fifteen years and now two in six months. Keep them coming," he joked on Instagram.

The midfielder joined United from Chelsea in January 2014 and went on to play 285 games, scoring 51 goals and winning the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.

Mata was a fan favourite during his time at Old Trafford and he's enjoyed an illustrious career, also winning the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012.

He has made over 600 senior appearances in a career spanning more than 15 years.