Manchester United have finally confirmed the signing of midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea in a three-year deal that sees the Serbian move to Old Trafford for an initial fee to be £35m, with £5m in add-ons
There have bene rumors of this deal being agreed upon weeks ago, and after Matic was left to train alone at Cobham during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Asia, it seemed only a matter of time before the deal was completed and the midfielder was reunited with Jose Mourinho.
Matic is short of match fitness but could make his first United appearance against Sampdoria in Dublin on Wednesday, and he revealed his joy at completing the switch.
‘I am delighted to have joined Manchester United,’ Matic told the club’s website.
‘To work with Jose Mourinho once again was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.
‘I have enjoyed my time at Chelsea and would like to thank the club and the fans for their support. I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and to start training with them.
‘This is a very exciting time for the club and I am looking forward to playing my part in creating more history for this great club.’
Mourinho added:
‘Nemanja is a Manchester United player and a Jose Mourinho player. He represents everything we want in a footballer; loyalty, consistency, ambition, team player.
‘I would like to thank him for his desire to join us because without that, it would be impossible to have him here. I am sure our players and supporters will love him. A big welcome to our new No 31.’