Why leave Rome? Matic: When joining, we agreed to discuss contract renewal in January, but some people don’t keep their promises

Football     8:16am, 7 October 2025

In an interview, the 37-year-old Serbian midfielder Matic talked about his decision to leave Roma in the summer of 2023.

Matic joined Roma freely in the summer of 2022. When Mourinho was coaching, he was Roma's main midfielder and was deeply loved by Roma fans. He will play 50 times for Roma in the 2022-23 season. After the season, Matic will automatically renew his contract with Roma for one year. But in August 2023, Matic suddenly transferred to Rennes, which shocked and puzzled Roma fans, and there were various rumors. Now Matic finally clarified the matter personally.

Matic said: "I have to start from the beginning: when I left Manchester United and chose to join Roma, I hoped to get a contract of at least two years. I had received some very attractive three-year contracts at the time, and I was no longer young. Then Roma, coached by Mourinho, sent me an invitation. At first I didn't want to accept it because the contract was only for one year. But then I talked to Mourinho and my agent... For Mourinho, but also for the club and the fans, I finally chose Roma. At that time they said to me, 'Sign it, if If everything goes well, we will discuss renewing the contract in January. ’”

Matic continued: “At first, my family and I did not feel that we had a stable life. The main reason why I chose Roma was because of Mourinho. In my opinion, I performed well and made a lot of appearances. But in January, no one came to me to talk about contract renewal. So I took the initiative to contact the other party, but they told me that if I played more than 50% of the games, my contract would be automatically renewed for one year, but this was not the condition we agreed on in the summer. So it gives me a sense of being constantly tested And the trial feeling, but I'm an experienced player and I deserve more respect. "

Matic also said: "So in February, I told the club that I would do my best until the end of the season and help the team achieve the best possible results. I thought I had always given my best to the team, but at the end of the season they knew my decision and I decided to leave. The problem is people who don't live up to their promises, which leaves me with a lack of stability and an uncomfortable feeling. I tried my best I feel loved by Roma fans and they respect me more than the club. "

Finally, Matic said: "In that summer, Rennes extended an invitation to me and offered me a three-year contract, which meant more stability. After learning about their program plans, I decided it was the best option for me and my family. It's been some time now and people were different at the time, so I can talk about it candidly and calmly. There was no violation on their part, but I should have been treated with more respect. "

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