Juan Mata reunites with Michael Essien at FC Nordsjaelland for training stint
22nd July 2024
Former Chelsea star Juan Mata has been seen training with FC Nordsjaelland, where his former teammate Michael Essien currently serves as an assistant coach.
The pair, who celebrated significant successes together at Stamford Bridge—including their 2012 Champions League victory—are now reconnecting in Denmark.
Despite speculation that the 36-year-old Spaniard might be making a comeback, FC Nordsjaelland has clarified that Mata's presence is purely a guest appearance.
The training stint is a result of their shared involvement with the Common Goal charity, which FC Nordsjaelland is a member of.
"Juan Mata has requested the opportunity to train with us for a period while he is in Sweden.
Since Mata is a good friend of the club—among other things, as a co-founder of the charitable organization Common Goal, which FC Nordsjaelland is a member of—we are happy to accommodate this request," the club explained.
The training period will allow Nordsjaelland's young squad to benefit from Mata's extensive experience, although the club has emphasized that there are no plans to offer the former Manchester United playmaker a contract.
Phil Radley, Director of Football at FC Nordsjaelland, commented, "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 in this way, we can help each other."