Matic completes Roma move

AS Roma on Tuesday completed the signing of Nemanja Matic on a free transfer from Manchester United.

Matic, 33, has penned a one-year deal that will expire in June 2023.

During his first interview with the club he hinted that he made the switch in order to reunite with Jose Mourinho, who lured him to Old Trafford in 2017.

He said: “I am pleased and honoured to be joining this club and I cannot wait to start the new season with my teammates.

“Roma is a big club, with amazing fans and a coach, Jose Mourinho, who is well known to everyone – making the decision to come here very straightforward.

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“I hope that by working together we are able to achieve some great things.”

Matic has already won over many fans in Rome, with Italian press reporting that they have been impressed by his ‘James Bond’ look.

The midfielder announced his departure from Man Utd with a shock Instagram post in April which read: “After a great deal of thought, I have decided that this season will be my last with Manchester United.

“I have informed the board, the manager and the players of my decision.

“It has been a huge honour and a privilege to play for this great club.

“A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support.

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“I will now give everything until the end of the season to help my teammates finish as strongly as possible.”

Matic made 189 appearances for the Red Devils during his five-year spell.

But he had no intention of staying for the Erik ten Hag era.

The new United boss is expected to completely overhaul the current squad this summer, starting with the addition of at least two midfielders to replace Matic and Paul Pogba, who is also set to move to Serie A.

Frenkie de Jong has emerged as a priority signing, however, Barcelona are expecting up to £75million for his services.