Nemanja Matic has exterminated any fears of him leaving Chelsea this summer, with the 27-year-old telling the Daily Mail that Antonio Conte was the main factor in his decision to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Matic, who was hailed by Conte as one of the best midfielders in the world and deemed not for sale by the Italian in this pre-season, told that the gaffer’s words changed his mind.
What the manager said gave me a special feeling. It was important for me to know I am a big part of his plans. I was happy to hear that.
Like every player here, I have a good relationship with the manager. I respect what he said about me and of course I liked what I heard.
We’ve worked together for two weeks and I can already see Conte’s a great manager. I’m sure we’ll improve under him.
Cesc Fabregas has already voiced the difference under the former Juventus coach and Matic also echoed that sentiment.
He played football at a very high level. It helps him to know things, to understand us and show us how we can improve.
The midfielder also expressed the unhappiness of the club’s 10th place finish last season, the worst ever defence of a Premier League title since its inception in 1992.
There were many things that made it hard for me but I can’t speak about it. Last season we didn’t play well. This is the Premier League and what makes it so strong. It would never happen to Real Madrid. They wouldn’t even be sixth.
Chelsea will recruit for their second International Champions Cup clash against Real Madrid tomorrow, after winning the first game against Liverpool 1-0 last Thursday.
