Exiting Manchester United Midfielder Officially Signs For New Club

Following his Manchester United exit, Nemanja Matic has officially signed for AS Roma, during his first interview with the club, Matic would explain that a reunion with Jose Mourinho was one he could not turn down.

After announcing his then impending Manchester United departure back in April, Nemanja Matic has now secured his new club.

Matic has signed with AS Roma on a one-year deal, a decision that he has admitted was in part due to Jose Mourinho being at the helm of the Serie A giants.

The Italian side were victorious in the Europa Conference league last season, which means that they could be a potential opposition for Erik ten Hag's United in the Europa League next campaign.

Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wins the Europa Conference League. (Alamy)

On the topic of why he chose the club, Matic said: “Everyone knows that Roma is a big club. Also, [the] coach, Jose Mourinho, everyone knows that I already work with him, and that we have a good connection.

"He was one of the reasons of course why I came here.”

Having played under Mourinho on two previous occasions, Matic would also comment on the relationship he has with the iconic Portuguese manager:

“I have to say, it’s not always easy to work with him. It can be hard. But he is a winner, and he is exactly what I want from my coach, and that is exactly what I like to do in my career, it is to win.

"He is a winner, and he transfers that energy to the players.”

A reunion with Mourinho influencing Matic’s next step has started to become a theme of his career.

When he first signed for Manchester United, he remarked in his very first interview that: “To work with Jose Mourinho once again was an opportunity I couldn't turn down.” 

Jose Mourinho and Nemanja Matic at Manchester United. (Alamy)

Matic and Mourinho had previously spent time together at both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Both these spells however would be cut short, with Mourinho being sacked in under 24 months from the point Matic joined on both occasions. 

Nemanja Matic spent five seasons with United after signing for the club from Chelsea, before his exit at the end of this season. During that time he made 189 appearances for the Red Devils.