Juan Mata has made historical past by investing in new MLS outfit San Diego FC.
The previous Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder has joined the membership’s possession group.
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San Diego’s majority house owners, the Mansour Group, have already got controlling stakes in Danish facet Nordsjaelland and the Proper to Dream Academy.
In a membership announcement confirming his funding, Mata stated: “Becoming a member of San Diego FC as a companion is an thrilling alternative to assist construct one thing actually particular in a metropolis and league which might be experiencing unimaginable progress.
“I look ahead to contributing my expertise and keenness for the sport and dealing alongside everybody right here to construct a membership that evokes each on and off the pitch.”
Mata has develop into the primary energetic participant to carry an possession stake in MLS forward of San Diego becoming a member of the Western Convention in 2025.
The membership have been based in Might final yr and can boast a squad together with Mexico’s Hirving Lozano and ex-United defender Paddy McNair.
Mata follows within the footsteps of David Beckham, who co-owns this season’s Supporters’ Defend winners Inter Miami.
Nonetheless, the previous England captain didn’t develop into an MLS proprietor till after his taking part in profession with Beckham turning into co-owner of the franchise in 2021 having retired as a participant in 2013.
As for Mata, he additionally took to X to have a good time his arrival, writing: “Actually joyful to announce that I’m a companion on the latest and most particular franchise within the MLS!
“Many due to the possession group, @right2dream and @MLS for permitting me to be the primary energetic participant to be an element proprietor of a membership within the league, and the second ever after David Beckham. It’s actually an honour.
“It’s for sure that the Proper to Dream method to our beloved sport is exclusive, bringing function on the core of every thing they do, and I’m actually joyful to proceed my journey utilizing soccer as a social device for change along with the Proper to Dream group and @CommonGoalOrg.
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“I see this step as a chance to assist construct one thing actually particular in a metropolis and a league which might be experiencing unimaginable progress, and I can’t wait to be concerned and decide to the constructive social affect that aligns with the membership’s and my private imaginative and prescient of the gorgeous recreation.”
Mata’s funding in San Diego comes simply seven months after he visited the membership’s 35,000-capacity Snapdragon Stadium.
He toured the sector to advertise United’s pre-season pleasant towards Actual Betis on the venue and was requested in regards to the services and affect of bringing an MLS membership to town.
Again in April, the Spaniard defined: “It is unimaginable. It is my first time in these services and it is unimaginable there, what they constructed right here.
“The ability that it has in society, how they’re serving to youngsters with doing sports activities, any sort of sport.”
The 36-year-old received each the World Cup and European Championship with Spain in addition to the Champions League throughout his time at Chelsea.
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He’s at the moment taking part in in Australia for A-League facet Western Sydney Wanderers, having signed in September after spells in Turkey and Japan.