Former Manchester United star Juan Mata sends emotional message amid retirement rumours
The former Man United midfielder has sent an emotional message after confirming his exit from Vissel Kobe
Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has taken to social media to thank the fans of Japanese champions Vissel Kobe before confirming that he is not retiring.
The Spaniard has already left the club after signing a four-month deal. He will now be searching for a fourth club in just 18 months.
After eight years in Manchester, Mata left in 2022 at the end of his contract. His tracks since then have been harder to cover as he first joined Galatasaray in Turkey. He spent a solitary season there before becoming a free agent once more. Mata has now played just 19 games since July 2022 but turned to pastures new in September when he joined J-League side Vissel Kobe. With only nine games of their season left, he made just one appearance but helped secure the title.
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The experience of playing out in Asia was clearly a big one for the 35-year-old, though, as he penned a long and emotional message on Instagram as he prepares to once again be without a club. "THANK YOU very much to all my teammates and all the people who are part of @visselkobe for these unique months with you," he wrote.
"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!"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 keep winning trophies, let the streak continue! Gracias y VAMOS @visselkobe!"
Mata confirmed that he was leaving the club earlier this week as a statement from the player read: "I would like to sincerely thank all my teammates, staff, and supporters with whom I have spent the past few months. 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."
He also won the league with Galatasaray, meaning that despite his lack of game time it has been a successful period in his career. "Wasn’t able to win a domestic league in fifteen years and now two in six months. Keep them coming," he joked online.
Mata played 285 games for United. He scored 51 times and assisted 47 across his spell but failed to reach the heights he found earlier in his career.
He remained a fan favourite during his time at Old Trafford, though, and won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. Mata has also won the Champions League, World Cup and European Championship in a glittering career.