New Roma signing Nemanja Matic has revealed his intention of breaking a certain Chelsea legend’s record under dearest coach Jose Mourinho, under who he will be playing for the third time in his career.
The former Manchester United man worked with Mourinho on two occasions in England, and hopes that his third such stint will help him break Frank Lampard’s appearance record under the Special One.
In an interview, Matic joked about how his decision to join the Giallorossi was driven by a desire to better his ex-teammate’s numbers.
“With Mourinho we know each other well and I am happy to find him here. I’m here for him, but I’m happy to be part of this great club, it’s attractive for players and it was for me,” he started. (via GOAL)
José Mourinho has now signed Nemanja Matić for three different clubs.
◎ Chelsea
◎ Man Utd
◉ RomaFrank Lampard is the only midfielder that has played more games for the Special One. ? pic.twitter.com/Y6hpZqFbVo
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 14, 2022
Blues icon Lampard is the midfielder with the most appearances for Mourinho – 215 – but Matic is way off that mark, with 159 caps. Nonetheless, he hopes to overtake his former Chelsea mate down the lane, perhaps with a contract extension beyond his current one-year deal.
“I am trying to beat Lampard as the player (midfielder) with the most appearances under Mourinho. I think the team has great quality players with youngsters who can be important in the future. I can’t wait to start.”
The Serbian etched more than 300 caps for Chelsea and Manchester United in his almost nine-year Premier League stay, where he won three titles including two league titles.
He disclosed his intention of wanting to experience a new playing environment.
“After eight-and-a-half years [in England] I wanted a new experience. Roma is an important challenge, Serie A as well. I could have stayed in the Premier League, but I decided to try things out in Italy. “There are so many clubs, it’s a great league. I’m convinced I made the right choice. It’s normal after playing so many years at Manchester United to have so many offers, but I wanted Roma and I wanted to reunite with Mourinho. It’s true that I had a couple of alternatives, but I’m convinced I made the right choice.”
? "He was one of the reasons why I chose Roma"
Nemanja Matic says reuniting with José Mourinho was a big reason for his move from Man Utd to Roma and he's eyeing a record set by Frank Lampard ? pic.twitter.com/G7q9DP4N43
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 4, 2022
While Matic falls as one of Mourinho’s most favored players in his managerial career, he is way off the mark in terms of caps in the 59-year-old’s portfolio. Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho is the number one in the list, with 292 appearances, followed by John Terry (266), Lampard (215), Paulo Ferreira (211) and Petr Cech (195).