Marquee players have long proved a testing concept for the A-Leagues.

Alessandro Del Piero and Dwight Yorke delivered but others, like Daniel Sturridge or Nani, have struggled.

Juan Mata welcomes the attention and pressure that comes with being the A-League Men's most famous man - including being recognised by Mancunians at Oasis concerts in Melbourne.

"Of course I've played where I've played and I've had the career that I've had. I appreciate the respect and the love that I receive," the 37-year-old Melbourne Victory recruit told AAP.

"Not only in Melbourne or last year in Sydney, but for example last week in Perth. It's something that really makes me happy.

"That's one of the best things in football actually - to know the relevance of the sport everywhere in the world and wherever y

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