Matic Bitterly Breaks Up with Mourinho’s Roma to Join Rennes

It’s official, Nemanja Matic leaves Roma to join Rennes. The Serbian and the Giallorossi were long at odds as he looked for a way out of the Italian capital, and his wish has now materialized. Roma have now accelerated efforts with PSG for Leandro Paredes to replace Matic in the middle of the field.

The ex-Manchester United midfielder breaks up with Jose Mourinho for the first time in his career, as was evident following the Special One’s decision to omit Matic from the friendly against Partizani a week ago. The relationship between the duo reportedly went south after tensions arose during the preseason.

Rennes sign Matic on an outright transfer fee worth €3M, on a two-year deal until the summer of 2025. After just one season, the veteran center-half longed for an exit to Rennes, stripping Roma of any bargaining power. Mourinho initially signed Matic for the third time in his career last summer. The 35-year-old midfielder will star in Ligue 1 following stints in the Premier League, Eredivisie, Primeira Liga, and Serie A.

Matic has always been the kind of player who wishes to experience new journeys, as his career portfolio showcases. Having already agreed to stay until the end of the 2023/24 season, his loggerheads with Mourinho arrives as a surprise, which ultimately led to his departure.