Serbian midfielder Matic moves to Manchester United

Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic has signed a three-year contract with English Premier League (EPL) football giants Manchester United to complete his move from Chelsea.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea on a three-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year," the Manchester club confirmed on Monday.

Commenting on joining the club the 28-year-old said: "I am delighted to have joined Manchester United. 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."

Club coach Jose Mourinho asserted Matic will be the new jersey no.31. The shirt was earlier held by former German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

"Nemanja is a Manchester United player and a Jose Mourinho player. He represents everything we want in a footballer; loyalty, consistency, ambition, team player," Mourinho said.

"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," he added.

Matic has won two EPL title and English Football League (EFL) cup each from 2014-17 with Chelsea.

--IANS

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