Japanese champions Vissel Kobe have confirmed Juan Mata’s departure from the midfield

24hscore

Former Spanish midfielder Juan Mata (35) has departed from the recently crowned Japanese champions Vissel Kobe as his contract expired, as announced by the club on Saturday. Mata had signed a four-month deal during the season and contributed to Kobe’s historic J League title win, making a single appearance.

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

Get real-time football scores here!

Before spending eight seasons with Manchester United, Mata, who won the 2010 World Cup with Spain, won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012.

After that, he spent a season playing for Galatasaray in Turkey, and in September, he signed a free-agent contract with Kobe.