MANCHESTER, Sporting Alert — Manchester United have announced the signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea on Monday.
The 28-year-old made a reported £40m move from the Blues and signed a three-year contract, with the option of a further year.
Matic switch from London to Manchester was well expected after a number images on social media on Sunday showed him wearing a Manchester United shirt with the No. 31 on it.
Still, the midfielder is delighted to complete the move to Old Trafford to work with manager Jose Mourinho again.
“I am delighted to have joined Manchester United,” he said. “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.
Only 40 mins to go until you can watch Nemanja Matic’s first #MUFC interview on #MUTV. Don’t miss it: https://t.co/tlaIToECS3 #MaticIsRed pic.twitter.com/hCzwzP7jrn
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 31, 2017
“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.”
Meanwhile, 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 number 31.”
The addition of Matic is the third capture for Mourinho, who outlined at the start of the summer that he would like to sign four players in this transfer window.
Matic switch is ideal for Manchester United as his capabilities, especially on the defensive side, will free up the likes of Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera to move forward more frequently.
The defensive midfielder is also the perfect player to protect the back four.
