- Juan Mata has signed a one-season contract with Wanderers
- Spanish midfielder previously won the World Cup in 2010
- Excited A-League fans saw Mata in the flesh at Sydney Airport
Award-winning footballer Juan Mata received a rock star welcome when the Spanish midfielder arrived at Sydney Airport on Saturday.
The 36-year-old former Chelsea and Manchester United star has signed with A-League club Western Sydney for the season that starts next month, with Wanderers fans eager to meet the World Cup winner.
A healthy reflection of the club’s supporter base, the Red and Black Block (RBB) were present at Mascot from 6am to see Mata in the flesh.
They quickly made their presence felt, singing in unison as Mata got a taste of what was in store for her during the home games in Parramatta.
The A-League management are also hoping Mata will be an attraction despite his lack of football over the past 12 months.
Former Socceroo Robbie Slater has no doubts that Mata will become a fan favourite.
“Absolutely, based on what he did at Manchester United,” he told Ny Breaking Australia.
‘Together with Liverpool, they [United] have a big following here….it’s also great to see players of Juan’s calibre in Australia.
Award-winning footballer Juan Mata received a rock star welcome when the Spanish midfielder arrived at Sydney Airport on Saturday (pictured)
The former Chelsea and Manchester United star, 36, has signed with A-League club Western Sydney for the season starting next month – and Wanderers fans couldn’t wait to meet the World Cup winner
‘He may be at the end of his career, but that was the way it was. [Italian football legend] Alessandro Del Piero when he played for Sydney FC.
‘Mata and (Sky Blues recruit) Douglas Costa are exactly what the A-League needs.’
Supporters on social media expect Mata to breathe new life into the struggling league.
“As a Sydney FC fan I think this is fantastic and I hope Mata’s arrival will bring RBB back to its glory days so the Sydney derby can once again be the best atmosphere in Australian sport like it was 8-10 years ago,” one fan commented on the airport’s vision.
Another said: ‘This is fantastic and great to see, now [RBB please] ‘And then standing en masse behind the goal, like in the old days…it’s great to see and hear.’
A third commented: ‘I hope Mata lives up to expectations and performs.’
Wanderers’ new manager Alen Stajcic recently called signing Mata’s services “priceless”, especially if he stays fit.
“He is one of the most respected, talented and decorated players of a generation. He brings not only football talent and success rarely seen in Australian club football, but also the humility to share his experiences and insights,” he said.
The A-League kicks off on October 19, with Mata’s Wanderers taking on arch-rivals Sydney FC at Commbank Stadium on the same date.
