Despite his new status as a part-owner, the 38-year-old is not yet ready to hang up his boots. The club stressed that the investment agreement is “distinct from Mata’s playing arrangements,” leaving the door open for a potential return to the pitch under new head coach Giovanni Savarese. The Spaniard enjoyed a stunning renaissance last term, winning the Johnny Warren Medal as the league’s best player.
“I have not decided yet,” Mata admitted regarding his future on the grass. “What this announcement tells you is that whatever I decide about my playing career, my long-term relationship with this club doesn’t change. I came here to enjoy my football, to play, and to contribute on the pitch as much as I could. Over the season, the conversations with the club’s leadership grew more ambitious – we see the future of football in this country the same way, and the possibility to create a long-lasting relationship with the club seemed like a natural step.”
