Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto unveiled new signing Nemanja Matic this afternoon, who highlighted the importance of Jose Mourinho in his decision to join the club.
The 33-year-old Serbian midfielder signed a one-year contract with an option for a second with the Giallorossi worth around €4.3m net including add-ons. He has experience working with coach Jose Mourinho at both Chelsea and Manchester United, and he will act as a reference point for some of the younger members of the squad.
Speaking at a press conference today, Pinto first unveiled Matic and talked of the Serbian’s experience.
“I think there is no need for an introduction for such a footballer. I’m proud that he made this choice, he could choose where to go and he chose us. In two-three days we agreed everything.
“A team is built with individual and collective quality, but also with personality and ambition. Matic will help us build the mentality we want.”
Matic first discussed his relationship with Mourinho and their memories together.
“With Mourinho we know each other well and I am happy to find him here. I’m here for him, but I’m happy to be part of this great club, it’s attractive for players and it was for me.
“I am trying to beat Lampard as the player with the most appearances under Mourinho. I think the team has great quality players with youngsters who can be important in the future. I can’t wait to start.”
He commented on his departure from Manchester United on a free transfer.
“After eight and a half years I wanted a new experience. Roma is an important challenge, Serie A as well. I could have stayed in the Premier League, but I decided to try things out in Italy.
There are so many clubs, it’s a great league. I’m convinced I made the right choice.
Revolution at Manchester United? They haven’t won a title for several years, they’ll definitely improve and I wish them the best. It’s hard to say then what will happen, but I was very happy there.”
The Serbian midfielder touched on what else convinced him about Roma apart from Mourinho.
“The negotiation was quick because the ambitions of the club and the coach are the same as mine.
“The Conference League win did not affect my choice, because it was an easy choice. When I make a decision nothing makes me change my mind.”
Matic spoke about how he’ll play alongside Lorenzo Pellegrini in the midfield.
“I know all the Roma players, Pellegrini is one of the best. He is a great footballer and we will have a good understanding.
“Training starts tomorrow and we’ll have to show everything on the pitch. Roma’s squad is a quality one with the right balance of young and important players.”
He commented on which kind of midfield he’d like to play in.
“From my experience with Mourinho, he can change the system according to the players he has. I have played as three and two in midfield, I will follow Mourinho’s instructions. There will be no problems in this sense.”
The 33-year-old discussed his decision to sign a one-year contract with an option for a second.
“It’s normal after playing so many years at Manchester United to have so many offers, but I wanted Roma and I wanted to reunite with Mourinho. I understand the question, it’s true that I had a couple of alternatives, but I’m convinced I made the right choice.”
Finally, Matic talked about if he spoke to Mourinho before deciding to sign for Roma and if the Portuguese coach made contact last summer.
“As I said before we have a good relationship, but last year we hadn’t spoken about a transfer to Roma. It happened a few months ago, but it’s true that we have a good relationship. Then in football you never know how things will go.
“When we spoke a few months ago and talked concretely about Roma, he told me he wanted me here and that was a strong factor in my choice. The perfect fit was with Roma because our ambitions coincide and in May we’ll draw the conclusions of what we’ve done.”
dear lord i thought the signing of di maria was bad, matic cant run anymore and you signed him, at least di maria can run.
Especially when you lot about to sell zaniols to us- at least spend half of the transfer fee on a dmc other than matic – try even get tolisso as hes free, el neny from arsenal, loftus cheek, arturo vidal, daniello perriera from psg or even idrisa gueye, manuel ugarte, battaglia, uribe, stephen estaqiuo, pap gueye, kevin strootman, ndombele,caqueret, mohamed camara red bull salzburg, alex kral, anguissa, soumare, hamza choudary=free agent, oriol vidal, ibrahima diallo, moussa sissoko, benjamin andre,