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Nemanja Matić unveiled by Roma, discusses decision to join

Andy Mattioli
I

Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matić held his first Roma press conference at Trigoria earlier today where he addressed his decision to join the Giallorossi as a free agent, reuniting with Jose Mourinho for the third time in his career as well as his personal and team ambitions for the upcoming campaign.

“Mourinho and I know each other well. He was one of the reasons I came here,” he told the media on Monday afternoon.

“Roma is an attractive club for players, and I am glad to be here. Overall, I am proud to be part of this great club. This clubs has many great players, veterans and youngsters who someday will become very good players. I can’t wait to get started.”

On leaving the Premier League for Serie A: “After eight and a half years I wanted a new experience. Roma is an important challenge for me personally. I could have stayed in the Premier League, but I decided to try my luck in Italy.”

“There are many great clubs here, it’s a great league. I am convinced that I made the right choice. United are a great club, they will improve. I wish them the best.”

“The negotiations were very brief because the club’s ambition is the same as mine. The Conference League win did not affect my choice: I had already decided to come here, nothing could make me change my mind.”

“When you play at United it is normal to have other offers waiting on the table. But, my idea was to come to Rome, that’s it. I had a couple of other offers, but I’m sure I wasn’t wrong in coming here.”

On his new teammates: “I know almost all Roma players, I have watched their games. Pellegrini is one of the most important ones, we will have a great relationship. Tomorrow we will start working together.”

When it comes to tactical preferences, Matic did not hesitate, “From my experience with José I know he can change formation quite often as the season progresses.”

“Personally I fit in a three-man midfield, it’s easy to adapt and do my best there. It depends on the coach, I’ll do what he wants. At Chelsea I sometimes played in a two-man pivot, other times in a three-man midfield. That was also the case at United. I can adapt to both modules.”

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MatchDay 30
1 Apr 17:00
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