Nemanja Matic has joined Roma and expressed his delight at linking-up with Jose Mourinho.
The Serbian midfielder, 33, was handed a free transfer by Manchester United after five years of service. He joined the Red Devils from Chelsea in the summer of 2017, while Mourinho was in charge, and went on to make 189 appearances but failed to win silverware.
It is the third time Mourinho has signed Matic, who has agreed a one-year deal in the Italian capital. Mourinho is hoping to achieve sustained success at Roma after winning the inaugural Europa Conference League last season - the club's first major European trophy.
"I am pleased and honoured to be joining this club and I cannot wait to start the new season with my teammates," said Matic on Tuesday afternoon. "Roma is a big club, with amazing fans and a coach, Jose Mourinho, who is well known to everyone – making the decision to come here very straightforward. "I hope that by working together we are able to achieve some great things."
Roma general manager, Tiago Pinto, added: "Nemanja brings with him to Roma not just a lot of quality on the pitch, but the vast experience he has gained from so many seasons in the Premier League and a focus and mentality that has consistently set him apart throughout his career.
"The enthusiasm he showed at the prospect of joining our project was hugely encouraging and I am sure that will serve as a starting point for a very productive journey for all of us."
Matic first arrived in England in August 2009, joining Chelsea on a four-year deal after a trial at Middlesbrough. He failed to make the grade at Stamford Bridge and was sold to Benfica in January 2011 as part of the deal to bring David Luiz to London.
Matic impressed at Benfica, winning the Primeira Liga and Taca da Liga during his two-year spell. He also helped the Portuguese giants reach the Europa League final in 2012-13, a game they ironically lost to Rafa Benitez's Chelsea.
Mourinho was re-appointed Chelsea manager in June 2013 and re-signed Matic six months later. It proved to be a genius decision by the two-time Champions League winner as the Blues went on to win the Premier League title and EFL Cup in 2014-15.
Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea the following season, yet Matic continued to enjoy success in West London. He was part of Antonio Conte's side that won the Premier League title in 2016-17, making 40 appearances in the heart of their midfield.
Matic joined United after that triumph and was described by Mourinho as a "team player" who has "everything we want in a footballer - loyalty, consistency and ambition". His time at Old Trafford didn't work out as hoped and he'll be hoping for success in Italy.
