In the summer of 2023, Nemanja Matic made the dramatic decision to leave Roma after just one season. His impact in the Italian capital had been a positive one, as the Giallorossi finished sixth in Serie A and runners-up in the Europa League.
On paper, the experienced midfielderโs move to Mourinhoโs side, who were fresh off a maiden Conference League triumph, made complete sense, and shouldโve been a much longer partnership.
However, things ended in less than amicable circumstances, and the Serbian demanded to be sold amidst rumours of physical issues, arguments with teammates, and even family drama. As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, he recently revealed all to Sky Italia.
Joining the Roma project with high hopes
Matic, now of Sassuolo, begins his story with signing for I Lupi. โI have to start from the beginning. When I chose Roma, I left Manchester United to join a project where I could stay for at least a couple of years.
โI had received some interesting offers with three-year deals, and I was no longer very young. Then Romaโs offer from Mourinho came, and at first I didnโt want to go because it was for a year. Then I spoke with Mourinho, with the agentโฆ above all for him, the club, and the fans, I chose Roma, and they told me, โSign, and if things go well, weโll talk about a renewal in January.โโ
The Serbian played 50 games in all competitions that season, scoring two goals and providing three assists. No one in Roma doubted his continuation, least of all Mourinho, who was already accustomed to him in the Premier League. Maticโs departure left the Special One stunned.
At the time, the Portuguese boss wondered out loud, โWhy did he leave? If he wants to say anything, Mr. Matic will. The Rennes sporting director said theyโd been talking for over a month. What more can I say?โ
Failed winter negotiations
Well, despite the managerโs confusion, it turns out that no offer came Maticโs way in the January window. โAt the beginning, even with my family, we didnโt have the right stability. I chose Roma above all for Josรฉ. I think I played well and was playing well. In January, no one knocked on my door. I made contact myself and was told that if I played more than 50% of the games, I would get an automatic renewal, but that wasnโt what weโd agreed the previous summer.
โSo I felt like I was constantly on trial, but I was and am an experienced player, I deserved more respect, and in February I told the club that I would give my all until the end of the season to take the team as far as possible. I think Iโve always given my all for everyone, then at the end of the season, they already knew about the decision, so I decided to leave.โ
In short, there were no issues with teammates and no environmental intolerance. โThe problem was the people who promised something and didnโt deliver,โ the midfielder concludes.
โI lacked stability, and I didnโt feel comfortable with those feelings: I did my best, and I was fine, I felt the affection of the fans, who respected me more than the club. Rennes knocked on my door offering me a three-year contract, which meant greater stability. Once the project was explained, I thought about what was best for me and my family. Now some time has passed since then: people are no longer the same, and I can talk about it freely. They werenโt unfair, but I deserved more respect.โ
Matic, now at Sassuolo, is playing a key role for the Neroverdi and has already been turning the clock back with some impressive performances.
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