Decorated footballer Juan Mata was given a rockstar reception when the Spanish midfielder arrived at Sydney Airport on Saturday.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United star, 36, has signed with A-League club Western Sydney ahead of the season starting next month – and Wanderers fans were eager to meet the World Cup winner.
A healthy representation of the club’s supporter base – the Red and Black Bloc (RBB) made their way to Mascot from 6am to see Mata in the flesh.
They quickly made their presence felt, chanting in unison as Mata was given a glimpse into what awaits at home games in Parramatta.
A-League officials were also be hoping Mata acts as a drawcard, despite his lack of football the past 12 months.
Former Socceroo Robbie Slater has no doubt Mata will be a fan favourite.
‘Definitely, based on what he did at Manchester United alone,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Along with Liverpool, they [United] have a huge supporter base here….it is also great to see players of Juan’s calibre in Australia.
Decorated footballer Juan Mata was given a rockstar reception when the Spanish midfielder arrived at Sydney Airport (pictured) on Saturday
‘He may be at the end of the career, but so was [Italian football legend] Alessandro Del Piero when he played for Sydney FC.
‘Mata and (Sky Blues recruit) Douglas Costa are just what the A-League needs.’
Supporters on social media anticipate Mata will breathe new life into the struggling competition.
‘As a Sydney FC fan, I reckon this is great and I hope Mata’s arrival will help bring the RBB back to its glory days, so the Sydney derby can once again be the best atmosphere in Australian sport, as it was 8-10 years ago or so,’ one fan posted in response to the vision from the airport.
Another said: ‘This is fantastic and great to see, now [RBB please] turn up in droves behind the goals like you used to…..it is amazing to watch and hear.’
A third weighed in with: ‘I hope Mata lives up to the hype and delivers.’
Incoming Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic recently labelled securing Mata’s services as ‘priceless’, especially if he can stay fit.
‘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,’ he said.
The A-League kicks-off on October 19 – and on the same date, Mata’s Wanderers take on bitter rivals Sydney FC at Commbank Stadium.
