Former Manchester United star trains with Danish side in Sweden

Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has been a free agent since leaving Japanese side Vissel Kobe six months ago.

The Spaniard, who was a favourite amongst United fans, is training with Danish side FC Nordsjaelland as he eyes a return to European football.

Mata was most recently seen as a pundit for the BBC’s coverage of the European Championship, sat in the studio alongside Rio Ferdinand. He kept notes throughout the coverage and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him turn to coaching when he eventually hangs up the boots.

Just days after watching Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final, Mata has returned to the pitch himself, but he has yet to commit to a new club. That has not stopped him from training with a club who have a special place in his heart.

Danish side Nordsjaelland are part of the Common Goal initiative, which was set up by Mata seven years ago.

“Juan Mata has inquired about the possibility of training with us for a period while he is in Sweden,” a club statement released on Sunday read. “Since Mata is a good friend of the house – among other things as co-founder of the charitable organisation Common Goal, of which FC Nordsjaelland is a member – we would like to accommodate this wish.

“There is also no doubt that our young squad will be able to absorb a lot of input and experience during the period he trains with us, so that way we can help each other.”

This would’ve went down well with the Nordsjaelland squad. They don’t get the opportunity to train with successful players of Mata’s ilk very often.

Mata won the World Cup, European Championship, and Champions League during his career among other honours.

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