Juan Mata news: Will the 36-year-old Spaniard retire or continue playing?

Not many players might carry a resume as impressive as Juan Mata. The Spanish master tactician has enjoyed a successful and long career at both domestic and international levels. Having been part of Spain’s golden generation, Mata has won a couple of big international trophies. He was part of the Spain side that won the 2010 World Cup and also played an important role in his country winning the Euros two years later.

Juan Mata’s club record is equally impressive. After spending a few good years with Valencia in Spain, Mata moved to the Premier League with Chelsea. He enjoyed great success at Stamford Bridge by winning the likes of Champions League and Europa League among others. The Spaniard then moved to Manchester United and won the Europa League again with the Red Devils along with other trophies.

He moved from Old Trafford to Turkish giants Galatasaray and last played for J1 League club Vissel Kobe. Currently a free agent, Mata revealed whether he wants to continue playing or quit football for good. He started by speaking about his time after Manchester United, telling MUTV, “It’s been great, to be honest. First Istanbul, Turkey, playing for Galatasaray and getting to know a different culture, different country, winning the league.”

Will Juan Mata retire or continue playing?

He added: “So that was a good feeling. And, afterwards, Japan, which is an incredible country. I’ve learned so much from the Japanese culture and, even though it was short, it was only four or five months, we also won the league. So that was cool and it’s been great, to be honest. And now, we’re here, in San Diego. I’m still thinking where I’m going to play next. I want to keep playing. I want to keep enjoying the game.”

Mata then went on to explain how important this next step would be for him, which he wants to make it a “meaningful” one. “I mean I still feel enjoyment and passion for the game. So I feel good physically, and I feel good mentally, but I want to make this next step, which is probably the last one, a meaningful step. Not just playing whatever, just for the sake of playing. I want to play in a place that motivates me, inspires me – on and off the pitch,” he stated.

The midfielder added: “So I’m on that journey, waiting, hearing, thinking and hoping I’m making the right decision but still playing. I mean I love the game and I think it’s a game that, until you don’t enjoy it, or you feel an injury or something like that, touch wood, you cannot play anymore. As long as you enjoy it, you should keep doing it because it’s the best job in the world.”

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