10 things to know about Nemanja Matic!

Here are 10 things you need to know about the Serbia international midfielder...

1. Sport is in his DNA

Nemanja Matic was born on 1 August 1988 in Sabac - which is now part of Serbia but at the time was still part of Yugoslavia. An imposing, physically dominant central midfielder, Matic stands 6'3" tall.

His father Dragan and mother Biljana were both very sporty, with his father pursuing a football career of his own. Nemanja's younger brother Uros is also a footballer; he actually played against Roma back in 2009 - appearing against them for Kosice in a Europa League play-off match at the Stadio Olimpico (which Roma would win 7-1).

Nemanja missed out on that contest, having just agreed to join Premier League side Chelsea that summer.

"My dad was a footballer and I used to watch him play. I wanted to be like him, obviously. Dad still thinks that he was better than I am."

2. Serbian players at Roma

Three other Serbian players have represented Roma prior to Matic: Ivan Tomic (1998-2003), Adem Ljajic (2013-15) and Aleksandar Kolarov (2017-2020).

Sinisa Mihajlovic (1992-1994) and Aleksandar Arangelovich (1949-1950) would also be considered Serbian by modern definitions, but at the time played under the Yugoslavia flag.

3. Growing up at Benfica

A multi-faceted central midfielder capable both in attack and defence, Matic originally began his career as a No. 10. Nowadays, however, he is much more of a defensive midfielder - a transition that can be largely credited to the then-Benfica coach Jorge Jesus.

"He told me on the first day that, from now on, I was going to play as a No. 6, as a defensive midfielder," Matic later recalled.

"At the start it was strange for me, I didn't know I was capable of playing there. But Jorge Jesus explained to me what I needed to do. I worked really, really hard. Now I am playing for Manchester United, so that must mean the hard work paid off."

4. A family influence

Al Manchester United, Matic wore the No. 31 shirt - a number he did not choose, but rather his son Filip did.

"I was playing in the park with him and I asked him what number he liked - I had to choose one for my shirt. He chose 31. So that's why it's a special number for me."

5. Some of his best goals

"In all honesty, I don't score that many," Matic has previously said.

"But a few of them are not bad."

Here are three of the goals Matic selected as among his best in a recent interview...

6. His relationship with Mourinho

It is safe to say that Matic and Jose Mourinho know each other very well. This will be the third time the duo have worked together, after successful spells at both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Mourinho admired Matic enough to bring him back to Chelsea (after he had been sold to Benfica) at a notable cost.

"He's improved a lot as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic central midfielder in all aspects of the game. I really like the consistency he offers."

7. The trophy cabinet

Matic has won a fair bit during his career to date: including three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup during his time with Chelsea. He also won all three major domestic trophies on offer during his time with Benfica.

8. The wolf

During a question-and-answer session with Manchester United fans, Matic revealed his nickname is 'The Wolf'.

"My teammates say that in training I always find a way to win," he explained.

"Maybe they think I'm cheating. But wolves never cheat."

9. His attitude on the pitch

During that same interview session, Matic was asked who he is able to stay so cool under pressure - especially on the ball in tight spots.

"That's the way I play - I think that's one of my attributes," he said.

"I'm able to stay calm to help the team when I see a bit of panic set in, or if there is the need to re-establish the rhythm."

10. Follow him on social media

Nemanja Matic has two official accounts on social media: you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram!