Roma veteran Nemanja Matic craves Rennes move

One year after reuniting with his favourite manager Jose Mourinho at Roma, Nemanja Matic is eager to leave the Stadio Olimpico.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 35-year-old midfielder has filed a transfer request amid interest from Ligue 1 club Rennes.

Mourinho has always had a soft spot for the former Serbia international, using his influence to compel Roma to sign him on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract at Manchester United last summer.

The pair worked together at Chelsea before Mourinho made Matic one of his first signings at Old Trafford and finally lured him to Rome a year ago.

Despite arriving in Italy in the autumn of his playing career, the left-footed midfielder repaid Mourinho’s trust with an impressive campaign, logging over 3,000 minutes across 50 appearances in all competitions last term.

However, Matic is down to the final year of his contract, and after the Giallorossi failed to secure Champions League football and missed out on Europa League glory in 2022/23, he is ready to wave goodbye.

Rennes have approached the Serbian with a multi-year contract offer.

Although the figures are believed to be slightly lower than his current wages at Roma, the contract longevity has been critical to convincing Matic to agree personal terms with the French outfit.

While the player seems to have made up his mind, the Italians won’t go down without a fight as Matic remains a core member of Mourinho’s squad.

The ageing star has quickly developed into one of the most influential figures within the Stadio Olimpico dressing room, growing into the team’s leader on and off the pitch.

Roma president Dan Friedkin would reluctantly sanction the midfielder’s exit, but only if he receives a €10 million bid, which could deter Rennes from insisting on Matic’s arrival.

Les Rennais are banking on the player’s desire to move to Ligue 1 to help them drive the price down.