This is how social media reacted to Western Sydney Wanderers signing former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spain star Juan Mata.
There were whispers Juan Mata could be set to join Sydney FC’s Douglas Costa in the Isuzu UTE A-League but as soon as global transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed the epic transfer to Western Sydney Wanderers, it sparked a social media frenzy on Thursday night.
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What followed was Western Sydney’s mega announcement that FIFA World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League winner Mata will call Wanderland home in 2024-25 – one of the biggest deals in A-Leagues history, hot on the heels of Costa’s blockbuster arrival at cross-town rivals Sydney FC.
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Romano described the move as “massive for Australian football” in a post attracted 2.5 million views on X.
On Instagram, Western Sydney’s announcement post had more than 76,000 likes as the Wanderers prepare to welcome the 41-time Spain international star ahead of a mouth-watering Round 1 Sydney Derby against the Sky Blues on October 19.
Some of Mata’s former teammates reacted to the news, with superstars David De Gea and Iker Casillas among those to do so.
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De Gea, who played with Mata at Premier League giants United and in the Spain national team, wrote on Instagram: “The best left foot ball is back. All the very best.”
Spanish icon Casillas – a World Cup and European Championship winner with Mata – said: “You’re a world trotter!! Great crack !! Luck!!”
There were also well wishes from ex-United, Juventus and France full-back Patrice Evra, “Good luck brother”, while another former Red Devil in Giuseppe Rossi wrote: “Good luck”.
Australian legend Tim Cahill was also among the past and present players to salute the move, along with Galatasaray’s Dries Mertens, Bafetimbi Gomis, A-Leagues icon Alessandro Diamanti, former Spain international Luis Garcia, ex-Melbourne City star Tolgay Arslan, former United and France midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and 62-time England international Emile Heskey, who spent two years in the A-Leagues with Newcastle Jets.
Mata’s Wanderers deal also made headlines abroad via the BBC and The Athletic.
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On a more local front, Network 10 commentator Simon Hill added: “Nothing wrong with a bit of star quality”.
Sydney FC legend Alex Brosque said on Network 10: “Incredible, off the back of Douglas Costa signing as well.
“We’re finally able to attract some big names back to the A-League. Can’t wait for it start.”
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