Juan Mata and Melbourne just clicked.

A footballer who has won the FIFA World Cup, Champions League and two Europa Cups while starring for Manchester United, Chelsea and Spain, Mata could be playing anywhere in the world, but he chose the sporting capital and hasn’t regretted it.

“From the very first day, you know when you arrive at a place and it is clicking, it’s working? I felt like that,” Mata told this masthead.

When he arrived at the Western Sydney Wanderers to much hype last season, he battled for starts and for a reliable role at the struggling Wanderers. But Mata’s arrival at Melbourne Victory has revived the 37-year-old’s decorated soccer career and given one of the A-League’s struggling powerhouses a huge jolt in the arm while Mata has embraced the city’s sporting and foodie culture.

Not only has Mata become the heart of Victory’s attack, assisting in 11 goals and scoring four of his own, but he’s built a trove of memories and chance meetings by attending the AFL grand final, the F1 Grand Prix, Boxing Day Test and golf’s Australian Open.

He also had a seat in Novak Djokovic’s box during this year’s tennis Australian Open and met up with countryman Carlos Alcaraz.

Thankfully, Mata didn’t have to choose between the pair when they played in the men’s final as Victory had a game in Gosford.

“I met a lot of Spanish people in Sydney last year and in Melbourne now,” Mata said.

“When I met Carlos Alcaraz and other Spanish guys – ‘Oh, you are here now? What are you doing here?’

“It’s nice also to see people from your own country on the other side of the world.”

Mata felt an immediate connection to the city and he’s built a broad sporting knowledge. While walking through AAMI Park on Tuesday, he got a wave from Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

“He’s a legend no?” Mata said casually as he headed to the Victory office. He and some Victory leaders met with the iconic NRL coach earlier in the season.

“El Mago’s” playing future looked in doubt at the end of last season after he was used sparingly by the Wanderers, but you wouldn’t know it from his impact at AAMI Park.

His teammates are in awe of his talent and his humility, while Victory fans love watching his first-touch, passing vision and free kicks. Fans even cheer him as he jogs over to take corner kicks.

“As soon as he came in, you look at his technique and he’s just a class above us, to be honest,” Victory defender Josh Rawlins said.

“He is a humble person. He’s here to help and he helps the young players, speaks to everyone and he’s been a great addition and really influential.”

That was never more clear than during the Melbourne Derby on February 21.

In the 20th minute, Mata momentarily froze more than 21,000 fans and 20 out of 22 players on the pitch. His left boot had just sent the ball curving towards the goal after seeing Melbourne City keeper Patrick Beach off his line.

It was the signature moment of Mata’s stunning season, and it’s symbolic of his arrival at the club.

“We found each other at a great time,” Mata said.

“It was like a perfect match.”

The video of his derby goal had Mata’s superstar mates from around the world commenting with glee, including Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and David de Gea.

“It’s nice when your friends follow you, I follow them too, as sometimes it is hard to sleep after games,” Mata said.

“I watched them on the weekend [against Aston Villa], saw another Bruno masterclass. It’s also good for the A-League when Premier League players follow us.”

When Victory coach Arthur Diles signed Mata before this campaign, it seemed like a Hail Mary for a club who had lost the past two grand finals and hadn’t won the championship since the Kevin Muscat era in 2018.

“I took some time to feel what I wanted to do and I came to the conclusion that my time in Australia wasn’t finished,” Mata said.

“There are not many games in this league and everything went so quick, so I had the feeling that I need to go back – I want to enjoy more of this league and more of Australia.”

He told his agent to see what was on offer and Victory leaders Caroline Carnegie, John Didulica and Diles soon came calling.

After being out of favour at Wanderers, Mata wanted a coach who wanted him.

“Arthur said he wanted a player like me to play with this No.10, attacking midfielder, who was going to be on the ball a lot – everything he said was music to my ears.

“At this point in my career, it’s very important for me to enjoy my game and enjoy being on the pitch and Arthur has given me that.”

Diles had no doubt Mata was perfect for his side.

“The last few years, we found it difficult to unlock deep defences or unlock matches at crucial times and we know he can do that. It’s not easy to do and only certain players can do that,” Diles said.

“It’s the most valuable part and it’s why we needed him. He’s showing what we believed in.

“He’s working really hard for the team. You’ve got quality, but you’ve also got everything else that comes with it.”

What is missing from Mata’s stellar season is some consistent form from Victory – they have beaten the best in the competition but fluffed their lines in other matches.

With five games left, they are in fourth place and Mata sees the potential for a run to the championship, starting with a win over Central Coast Mariners in the club’s U-NITE multicultural round game at AAMI Park on Saturday.

“We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves … but I’m confident in this team as I’ve seen what we are capable of against the so-called better teams like Sydney FC, Melbourne City – hopefully we can deliver that football when it counts.”

When it comes to his playing future, Mata will again step back and consider his options, but he hasn’t ruled out remaining with Victory.

“I will finish this season and think about how I feel but I will always have a relationship with Australia and I would love to come back here from time to time.”

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.