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Nemanja MaticSerbian footballer, defensive midfielder
Date of Birth: 01.08.1988
Country:  Serbia |
Content:
- Nemanja Matić: A Serbian Midfield Maestro
- Early Career in Serbia and Slovakia
- Chelsea and Loan Spells
- Rise to Prominence at Benfica
- Return to Chelsea
- Joining Manchester United
- International Career
- Achievements
- - Serbian Footballer of the Year (2): 2014, 2015
Nemanja Matić: A Serbian Midfield Maestro
Nemanja Matić is a Serbian professional footballer who currently plies his trade as a defensive midfielder for English Premier League giants Manchester United. He is also an integral member of the Serbian national football team.
Early Career in Serbia and Slovakia
Born in Sabac, Serbia, Matić's football journey began in his hometown club Kolubara at the tender age of 16. After impressing in his debut season, he moved to Slovakian club Košice in 2007. During his time in Slovakia, he made 64 appearances and scored 4 goals, earning him Slovak citizenship in the process. In 2009, he lifted the Slovak Cup with Košice, defeating Artmedia 3-1 in the final.
Chelsea and Loan Spells
Matić's move to Chelsea in 2009 marked a significant step in his career. He signed a four-year contract worth £1.5 million. However, he was loaned out to Dutch club Vitesse in 2010 for further development.
Rise to Prominence at Benfica
In 2011, Chelsea traded Matić to Portuguese giants Benfica in a deal that saw David Luiz move in the opposite direction along with £22 million. In Lisbon, Matić flourished, helping Benfica clinch the Portuguese League Cup in 2012.
Return to Chelsea
After a successful stint in Portugal, Chelsea re-signed Matić in January 2014 for a fee of €25 million on a 5.5-year contract. He made his Premier League debut for the Blues in August 2014 against Everton, scoring his first goal for the club in the process.
Joining Manchester United
In July 2017, Matić sealed a move to Manchester United for £40 million. He penned a three-year contract with the option of an extension. His United debut came in a UEFA Super Cup clash against Real Madrid in August 2017.
International Career
Matić made his senior debut for Serbia in 2008 against Poland. He has represented his country at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2009.
Achievements
Club- Slovak Cup (1): Košice 2009
- Premier League (3): Chelsea 2009/10, 2014/15, 2016/17
- FA Cup (1): Chelsea 2010
- EFL Cup (1): Chelsea 2015
- Portuguese League Cup (1): Benfica 2012
Individual
- Portuguese Footballer of the Year (1): 2013
- Player of the Month (3): Portuguese Primeira Liga December 2012, January 2013, April 2013
