Ex-Man Utd star Matic slammed for "incomprehensible" behaviour amid transfer bid

11 January 2024 , 23:09

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Rennes midfielder Nemanja Matic (Image: Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Rennes have hit out at former Manchester United and Chelsea star Nemanja Matic after he did not turn up to training, branding his actions "totally incomprehensible".

Matic joined Rennes over the summer following one season at Roma and has made 19 appearances for the club across all competitions. However, French newspaper Ouest-France are reporting that Matic already wants to leave and that Lyon are among the clubs interested in signing him.

And Rennes have since released a statement revealing that Matic has missed training without permission. "Stade Rennais F.C. midfielder Nemanja Matic has failed to turn up for the most recent training sessions with the professional team," they said.

"This behaviour is totally incomprehensible from an experienced player under contract until 2025. Always concerned by the wellbeing of its players, the club would like to point out that all the arrangements necessary for the successful integration of Nemanja Matic and his entourage have been carried out in complete transparency.

"SRFC is now awaiting the player's explanations and is determined to take all necessary measures to protect its interests." Ouest-France also claim that Matic's absence was an attempt to try and force a move away from Rennes, with the 35-year-old left 'disappointed that his children did not benefit from the academic support that he expected'.

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In response to Rennes' statement, Matic posted a message to the club's fans on his Instagram story in an attempt to clear things up. In the post, he confirmed there had been a problem with his children's education and said he would be discussing his future with the club in the coming days.

"I want to end any speculations and say that last summer I was honoured by Stade Rennais invitation to be an important part of an ambitious project that needed a player of my characteristics and experience," Matic wrote.

"After 6 months spent at the club, I can only confirm that our club become an exception club for all players, especially young ones. Unfortunately, due to my mistake, I did not manage to adapt my private things to my professional one.

"I could not enrol the children in the international school who have been attending since the beginning of schooling. That's why I was away last three days to try to solve this big problem for me and my family and tomorrow I'm going back to Rennes where I will decide next steps together with the club."

Matthew Cooper