19 August 2023 , 19:16
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Jose Mourinho has claimed that he was not expecting Nemanja Matic to leave Roma this summer amid suggestions that the two endured a falling out in recent weeks.
The Serbian midfielder, 35, was handed a free transfer by the Red Devils last summer after five years of service. He joined United from Chelsea in the summer of 2017, while Mourinho was in charge, and went on to make 189 appearances but failed to win silverware.
It was the third time Mourinho had signed Matic, who initially agreed a one-year deal in the Italian capital – before agreeing to stay on beyond this season. Matic was a key player for the Giallorossi last campaign, making 50 appearances as the side reached the Europa League final.
Rome-based Il Tempo claim that Matic’s move to French club Rennes from Roma had been accelerated by the breakdown in his relationship with Mourinho. It is claimed that the club were unimpressed with his attitude with tension on the training pitch.
Roma have responded to the exit of Matic by signing Leandro Paredes and Renato Sanches, but the exit of the former Chelsea star from the Italian capital was unexpected. The Roma boss addressed the move ahead of his side’s opening Serie A game of the campaign.
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Mourinho replied in a press conference on Saturday when asked directly about Matic’s impact: “I think the situation is self-explanatory. The fact he had been talking with Rennes for over a month says it all and there is nothing to add. I’m very happy to have Paredes in his place. I like him a lot.”
The Roma boss added, in a show that Matic’s exit came quickly: “We didn’t expect Mr. Matic’s departure. But the club reacted immediately in a fantastic fashion. We lose a great player in Matic, but we have signed Paredes and Sanches, not the first people you would see off the street.”
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Nemanja Matic has been in Roma's pre-season training but subsequently joined Rennes (Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images)Matic first arrived in England in August 2009, joining Chelsea on a four-year deal after a trial at Middlesbrough. He failed to make the grade at Stamford Bridge and was sold to Benfica in January 2011 as part of the deal to bring David Luiz to London.
Matic impressed at Benfica, winning the Primeira Liga and Taca da Liga during his two-year spell. He also helped the Portuguese giants reach the Europa League final in 2012-13, a game they ironically lost to Rafa Benitez's Chelsea.
Mourinho was re-appointed Chelsea manager in June 2013 and re-signed Matic six months later. It proved to be a genius decision by the two-time Champions League winner as the Blues went on to win the Premier League title and EFL Cup in 2014-15.
Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea the following season, yet Matic continued to enjoy success in West London. He was part of Antonio Conte's side that won the Premier League title in 2016-17, making 40 appearances in the heart of their midfield.
Matic joined United after that triumph and was described by Mourinho as a "team player" who has "everything we want in a footballer - loyalty, consistency and ambition". His time at Old Trafford didn't work out as hoped and he will now play in Ligue 1 for the first time with Rennes.