Juan Mata's on the market! Man Utd and Chelsea favourite leaves Vissel Kobe after helping Japanese side to first-ever J League title

Mata joined Vissel Kobe in September on a four-month deal and has left the recently crowned Japanese champions following the expiry of his contract. Despite a brief tenure, he played a crucial role in the team's success which has turned him into a blue-eyed boy of the Kobe fans.

"I am very happy to have been part of the club's historic moment in winning the league for the first time," Mata said in a statement. "I will never forget the memories we made together."

Mata tasted World Cup success with Spain in 2010 and boasts an illustrious career which includes winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012. He spent eight seasons with Manchester United where he won the FA Cup twice, the Carabao Cup, FA Community Shield and the Europa League once each. Leaving the English shores, he set sail for Galatasaray in Turkey for a season where he won the Super Lig in 2022-23.

Mata is currently a free agent which could entice Premier League clubs to sign the 35-year-old on a short-term deal until the summer. The Spaniard is yet to win the Premier League which could act as a motivation for him to return to the British Isles.