Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has broken his silence after going on strike at Stade Rennais.
The Serb was reportedly trying to push through a transfer from the Ligue 1 outfit.
Stade Rennais issued a statement on Thursday criticising the behaviour of Matic after he missed training without permission, but they obviously didn’t have full clarity of the situation.
The 35-year-old joined the Ligue 1 club in August last year from As Roma, where he worked with his former Chelsea and United manager Jose Mourinho. He has made 19 appearances for the French club this season and it doesn’t sound like they haven’t been impressed by his performances since he’s getting plenty of game time.
Moreover, Rennes are currently 10th in the Ligue 1 standings and host Ineos outfit OGC Nice on Saturday.
“Stade Rennais F.C. midfielder Nemanja Matic has failed to turn up for the most recent training sessions with the professional team,” the club statement said, as per Reuters.
“This behaviour is totally incomprehensible from an experienced player under contract until 2025.
“Always concerned by the wellbeing of its players, the club would like to point out that all the arrangements necessary for the successful integration of Nemanja Matic and his entourage have been carried out in complete transparency.
“SRFC is now awaiting the player’s explanations and is determined to take all necessary measures to protect its interests.”
However, Matic has now gone on to explain that the reason he was absent was because he was trying to find a suitable school for his children.
It has been suggested in some French reports that Matic was promised an international school for his children, but there is none in the French city.
“Unfortunately, due to my mistake, I did not manage to adapt my private things to my professional one. I could not enroll the children in the international school,” Matic said on Instagram.
“That’s why I was away last three days to try to solve this big problem for me and my family and tomorrow (Friday) I’m going back to Rennes where I will decide next steps together with the club.”
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