Nemanja Matic DENIES going on strike at Rennes in bid to force move away… as midfielder explains training absence branded ‘wholly incomprehensible’ by French club
- Matic is said to be unhappy at his new club and wants to leave in January
- He joined Rennes on a free transfer from Jose Mourinho’s Roma team last summer
- Newcastle’s summer signings haven’t worked. It’s crazy to talk about them as an established top four side… Sixth is about right. It all starts
Nemanja Matic has denied going on strike at Rennes in an attempt to force a departure from the club.
The midfielder joined the French club from Roma this summer, but struggled to establish himself. Reports emerged in recent days that he was trying to push for an immediate departure.
Rennes took the step to address the Serb’s recent training absence earlier this week, calling it ‘completely incomprehensible for an experienced player under contract until 2025’ and stating that they were awaiting an explanation.
Matic has now done just that, taking to social media to explain his reasoning to his followers and that he plans to return to the club.
Taking to Instagram, the former Chelsea and Manchester United man said he missed training due to a personal issue with his family, and wants to work with the club to move forward from the saga.
Nemanja Matic has denied on Instagram that she is going on strike to force a departure from Rennes
The midfielder recently missed a training session that was described by his club as ‘completely incomprehensible’
Matic moved to France from Roma, managed by Jose Mourinho (photo), on a free transfer in the summer
“Dear supporters, I would like to end any speculation and say that last summer I was honored by the invitation from Stade Rennais to be part of an ambitious project that needed a player with my characteristics and experience,” he posted on his Instagram story.
‘After six months at the club, I can confirm that our club has become an exceptional club for all players, especially the young ones.
‘Unfortunately, due to my mistake, I have not been able to adapt my private affairs to my professional affairs.
‘I couldn’t enroll my children in the international school they have been attending since they started school.
“That’s why I’ve been away for the past three days, to try to solve this big problem for me and my family. Tomorrow I will return to Rennes, where I will determine the next steps together with the club.’
Matic blamed the absence on his own ‘mistake’, claiming he was trying to solve problems with his children’s education
Matic, now 35, joined Rennes on a free transfer from Roma this summer, leaving Jose Mourinho behind. His last match was a defeat on penalties in the Europa League final.
Since then, he has made 19 appearances for his new club, who sit 10th in Ligue 1.
According to The sunMatic is considering retirement if he cannot secure a departure in this transfer window, and his ideal destination would be the Premier League.
