Ex-Man Utd star Nemanja Matic leaves Rennes after transfer turned sour

FORMER Manchester United star Nemanja Matic, 35, has joined Lyon from Rennes after his move to the northern French club fell through.

Matic made 19 appearances for Rennes before reports claimed he went on strike at the start of the window to force a move to Lyon.

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Matic was reportedly unhappy that Rennes had promised him that there was an English-speaking international school in the area for his children to attend, but those facilities did not exist.

It was claimed he then launched a one-man strike at the start of the window after becoming frustrated with his children's school situation.

The midfielder did not show up for training for three days in a row.

Amid the messages, he took to Instagram to clarify the situation, saying: “Dear supporters, I would like to put an end to all speculation and say that last summer I was honored to be invited by Stade Rennais to be part of an ambitious project that required a player.” of my characteristics and experience.

“After six months at the club, I can confirm that our club has become an exceptional club for all players, especially the young ones.

“Unfortunately, due to my mistake, I have not been able to adapt my private affairs to my professional affairs.

'I couldn't enroll my children in the international school they have been attending since they started school.

“That is why I have been away for the past three days, to try to solve this big problem for me and my family. Tomorrow I will return to Rennes, where I will decide together with the club on the next steps.”

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Before that, Rennes had launched a statement describing his decision to miss training as “completely incomprehensible”.

The saga has now come to an end and Matic is officially coming to Lyon.

His contract runs until 2026.

He joins the club while Lyon are embroiled in a relegation battle.

Lyon are currently 16th in Ligue 1, meaning they will have to play a relegation play-off against Ligue 2 opposition if they finish there.