Juan Mata makes shock move to replace Spain legend after Man Utd icon was released by Galatasaray at end of last season
JUAN MATA has made a shock return to football - and is replacing a fellow Spain World Cup winner.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder appeared set to retire when he was released by Galatasaray at the end of last season.
However, the free agent put pen to paper on a deal with Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe.
That is the club that Andres Iniesta, who scored the winner against the Dutch in 2010, has just left after five years to join Emirates Club in the UAE.
Mata, 35, was offered the big bucks in the Saudi Pro League this summer following his Galatasaray exit.
The playmaker helped the giants win the Turkish Super Lig in his only season at the club after leaving Old Trafford in 2022.
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However, he turned down the chance to go to Saudi because he wanted to experience the Japanese culture and explore the nation.
And he will have the chance to do that after signing a deal with the J1 League club.
Mata - who has taken the rogue No64 jersey - said: "Thanks for the incredible welcome, Japan! I’m here! I’ve always been a big admirer of this country and its culture, and 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!
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"Thank you football for allowing me to live such amazing life experiences!"
Vissel Kobe are currently second in the table after 25 matches, one point behind Yokohama FM who have played an extra game.
Mata came through at Real Madrid but made his name at Valencia before joining Chelsea in 2011.
He won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with the Blues before making the switch to Old Trafford in 2014.
After eight-and-a-half years, he left United with winner's medals for the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League.
Mata played his part in Spain's World Cup triumph in South Africa and when they defended the Euros in 2012, racking up 41 caps during the golden generation from 2009 to 2016.