Juventus have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of signing Nemanja Matic, as the Chelsea FC midfielder admitted that he is reconsidering his exit plans, due to the influence of new manager Antonio Conte.
The Serbian midfielder was expected to seek a move away from Stamford Bridge after he had a disastrous season with the Blues last time around. His poor performance last season came on the back of a hugely successful 2014/15 campaign, when he played a crucial part in the Chelsea side that won the Premier League.
Now, however, Matic has revealed that he has held clear-the-air talks with Conte, who has expressed his desire to keep the Serbian international at Stamford Bridge.
“What he 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,” Matic was quoted as saying in Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. “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.
“I have been at the club for two and a half years and have always given my best every day. Until I am here, I will continue to give everything to the team.”
Matic went on to further praise his new boss, saying that the former Juventus and Italy manager knows what it takes to play football at the highest level, and is using his experience to guide his players during the pre-season.
“He played football at a very high level. It helps him to know things, to understand us and to show us on the pitch what we can do better, how we can improve,” said Matic. “We have worked together for two weeks and I can already see he is a great manager, with a great team of coaches. I am sure this team will improve under him.”
Matic’s poor performances last season have resulted in various reports claiming that the 27-year-old may be on the move this summer. He has showcased his quality as a top midfielder at both Benfica and Chelsea in the past, a number of top European clubs have been linked with a move for Matic.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho had brought Matic back to Chelsea in the winter of 2014. Various reports this summer have suggested that the former Chelsea boss has been trying to get a reunion with the Serbian at Old Trafford. However, the Red Devils are said to be more intent on landing Juvnetus midfielder Paul Pogba’s signature this summer.
On the other hand, Juventus, who look set to lose their star midfielder to Manchester United, have marked Matic out as a one of their top targets this summer. However, with both Conte and Matic denying all the exit rumours, it seems that the Old Lady will need to find a new midfielder to be Pogba’s replacement in Turin.
