Former Manchester United favourite Juan Mata announces next career step

Former Manchester United fan favourite Juan Mata has no plans to retire as a professional footballer and is looking for his next challenge as a free agent.

After adding another trophy to his collection by winning the J. League, Mata left Japanese club Vissel Kobe in January, departing following the expiry of his contract.

Mata joined Kobe from Galatasaray where he also won a league title. "Wasn’t able to win a domestic league in fifteen years and now two in six months. Keep them coming," he joked on Instagram. Many expected Mata to hang up his boots but he remains on the hunt for a new club.

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The Spaniard was recently in the United States, wearing United attire and promoting the Reds' pre-season fixture against Real Betis on 31 July at the Snapdragon Stadium. And that's when he sat down with MUTV to discuss what might come next for him in the next few months.

"It's been great, to be honest," Mata said of life post-United. "First Istanbul, Turkey, playing for Galatasaray and getting to know a different culture, different country, winning the league. So that was a good feeling.

"And, afterwards, Japan, which is an incredible country. I've learned so much from the Japanese culture and, even though it was short, it was only four or five months, we also won the league.

"So that was cool and it's been great, to be honest. And now, we're here, in San Diego. I'm still thinking where I'm going to play next. I want to keep playing. I want to keep enjoying the game.

"I mean I still feel enjoyment and passion for the game. So I feel good physically, and I feel good mentally, but I want