On This Day in 2014: Nemanja Matic returns to Chelsea from Benfica
The Serbia midfielder had left Stamford Bridge as part of the deal which saw David Luiz move to west London from Benfica three years earlier.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho said he felt he had brought a much-improved player back to Chelsea after completing the signing of Nemanja Matic on this day in 2014.
The Serbia midfielder, who left Stamford Bridge as part of the deal which saw David Luiz move to west London from Benfica three years earlier, agreed a deal reported by the Portuguese club to be worth 25million euros (£20.75million).
“I am very pleased that Nemanja is returning to Chelsea,” said Mourinho.
“He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder. I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions.”
The 25-year-old had struggled to make an impact during his first spell at the club, spending a season on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem before heading to Portugal.
And he faced a battle to hold down a place against fellow midfielders like Ramires, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Luiz and Michael Essien.
Matic told chelseafc.com: “I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club.
“I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy.”
Matic went on to enjoy a relatively impressive three years in his second stint at Stamford Bridge before moving on to join his former boss Mourinho at Manchester United.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments