‘There were reasons’: Nemanja Matic reveals why he left Chelsea for Manchester United

Manchester United star Nemanja Matic said it was the ‘right moment’ to leave Chelsea in 2017 but says a full explanation of his decision to leave Stamford Bridge will come out one day.

The Serbian joined the Red Devils in a £40million deal three years ago after protracted negotiations between the two sides.

Matic had been a vital component in Chelsea’s title-winning campaign the previous year and Chelsea’s decision to let him join a direct rival raised eyebrows.

But Matic has hinted that there were further reasons for his departure at Chelsea, though he refused to fully divulge.

‘I was very happy at Chelsea, but I thought it was the right moment to change club,’ Matic told Football Beyond Borders.

‘There were reasons which are hard for me to say now. I will never forget my time there, but I’m a Manchester United player now.

Matic’s move to Old Trafford saw him reunited with Mourinho for a second time in his career.

The Portuguese boss signed Matic from Benfica when he was at Chelsea in 2014 and the Serbian is well known to be one of Mourinho’s favourite players.

Mourinho wanted the likes of Matic and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to help the other players adapt to his ways and the Serbian admits the Special One can be a nightmare if his side loses.

Asked whether Mourinho’s public persona fits his private one, Matic replied: ‘It depends. If you win, he’s the best guy ever. But if you lose, you’re hiding from him at the training ground. But he’s an amazing coach.’

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Source: Metro News UK