Stade Rennais FC have released a statement this Wednesday amid the controversy surrounding Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matić (35). The former Chelsea and Manchester United player has been pushing for an early exit from Rennes, only five months after his arrival from AS Roma in a €2m switch. Matić has signed a contract tying him with Les Rouge et Noir until 2025.
However, Matić has done more than pushing for an exit from Stade Rennais. He and his family have left Rennes altogether. The Serbian has been spotted at Rennes’ central station boarding a high-speed train heading for Paris. The family is reportedly in London now.
Stade Rennais have officially broken their silence on the matter and released a scathing statement which reads: “Stade Rennais midfielder Nemanja Matić did not come forth for the latest training sessions of the professional squad for which he was summoned. This behavior is wholly incomprehensible for an experienced player under contract until 2025. Naturally receptive to the personal well-being of their players, the club mention that every term necessary to the proper integration of Nemanja Matić and his entourage has been carried out with the utmost transparency. Stade Rennais FC have always worked to put their players, in particular foreign, in the best possible conditions to express their skills on the pitch. SRFC are now waiting to hear the player’s explanations and are determined to take the necessary measures to protect their interests.”
The family is reportedly in London now. Foot Mercato report this Wednesday that the club’s executives are stunned by Matić’s defection and have no intention of facilitating his departure. The player has reportedly agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 opposition Olympique Lyonnais. Stade Rennais will host OGC Nice on Saturday evening for Ligue 1’s gameweek 18.