Juan Mata's Melbourne Victory playing career comes to an end
Mata's stint as Melbourne Victory player ends after the club signs Uruguayan attacker Guillermo May to its fifth visa spot.
Juan Mata's playing days at Melbourne Victory are over. The club has signed 28-year-old Uruguayan Guillermo May from Auckland FC to fill its final visa player slot.
A-League rules allow only five foreign players per club. Mata, the 38-year-old Spanish ex-Manchester United and Chelsea star, came off contract at the end of last season.
Victory had hoped he would return after winning the Johnny Warren Medal last year. Mata played 25 A-League matches last season.
He scored five goals and provided a league-high 13 assists. He will stay involved with the club as a new board member after he retires.
- 38
- Mata's age
- 25 A-League matches
- Appearances last season
- 5 goals, 13 assists
- Goals and assists
- 28
- May's age
Why it mattersMata was a proven, award-winning presence, and losing him means Victory must rebuild that depth at a key attacking position.
AustraliaOne of the A-League's biggest names in recent memory will no longer play for an Australian club, ending a short but productive stint.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 h ago
