Juan Mata has generated a lot of excitement in his first hours as a new player for Western Sydney Wanderers. The Spanish international was greeted by dozens of fans at the airport before being introduced and getting to know the club. Mata joins the team immediately.
“I’m so happy to be here, really eager to get on the pitch. I feel good and confident that it’s going to be a great season,” Juan said to the press. “It feels like a fresh motivation for me… I’m looking forward to this new challenge, but I’m also approaching it as if it were the first of my career.”
Juan’s new coach, Alen Stajcic, is certain that the signing will have a positive impact on both the club and the league: “Someone of Juan’s calibre doesn’t just bring something on the pitch, it’s what he brings off it as well. Bringing in someone like Juan isn’t just a short-term move, it’s about leaving a legacy. He’ll be able to share his knowledge and pass on his footballing skills to a new generation of Australian players,” said Stajcic.
Welcome to Juan-derland.@CommBankStadium #WSW pic.twitter.com/PWxbvWAhcQ
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) September 14, 2024
“Everybody says we have the best fans in the country, so I can’t wait for the first game of the season. They’re very passionate, and we’re eager to celebrate victories with them,” added the Spanish international. “I’ll give 100% every single day. I believe we do our jobs better when we enjoy ourselves. The connection between the club and the fans is key.”
Scott Hudson, the club’s general manager, also spoke at the press conference. His views on the power of football to improve people’s lives align with Mata’s. “That was a conversation we had, the club looks to have an impact on the community and with Common Goal we’re trying to do the same around the world. Hopefully, my presence here will help grow the Common Goal community in Australia.”
