David de Gea shows true colours after Man United icon Juan Mata completes shock transfer

Former Manchester United duo Juan Mata and David De Gea
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


David de Gea has sent a five-word message to Juan Mata after the former Manchester United midfielder completed his switch to A League side Western Sydney Wanderers.

The 36-year-old left Japanese side Vissel Kobe in January after making just one appearance for the club, and was spotted training with Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland this summer while weighing up his options. And now, after an eight-month wait without a club, Mata has been confirmed as a new Western Sydney player.

"Bienvenido @juanmatagarcia!" the club wrote on Instagram. "We have tonight confirmed the signing of FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA European Championship winner Juan Mata for the upcoming @ALeagues season!" Tim Cahill and Iker Casillas were among the names that wish him luck at his new club.

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Another to send a message to Mata was his compatriot and ex-United teammate De Gea. In a comment to the announcement, De Gea said: "The best left foot is back," alongside a fire emoji and a flexed biceps emoji. Mata could make his Western Sydney debut in the Australia Cup against Adelaide United on September 12.

Reacting to making the switch across to Australia, Mata said: "I'm really excited to join the Western Sydney Wanderers, the only Australian team to ever win the Asian Champions League, and I cannot wait to arrive and train with the team to prepare for the season ahead. I'm feeling grateful and excited for this new adventure, and looking forward to trying to win another Championship in a different league!"

Western Sydney manager Alen Stajcic said: "The addition of Juan to our club and team is priceless. He is one of the most respected, gifted and awarded players of a generation and brings not only football talent and success rarely seen in Australian club football, but also a humility to share his experiences and insights.

"Juan will help our team perform 'on the field' but even more critically, he will be an important figure in turbocharging the growth and development of our youthful squad. It’s a great day for our football club and I am sure all Wanderers fans will be excited to see what this team can deliver now."

Mata joined United from Chelsea for a then club record £37.1million in January 2014 and he spent eight-and-a-half successful years at Old Trafford, making 285 appearances, scoring 51 goals.