‘Better player’ Matic is ready to grasp his second chance

Nemanja Matic says he has developed into a better player since leaving Stamford Bridge three years ago and is ready to grasp his second chance at Chelsea.

The 25-year-old originally departed the Blues as part of the deal which saw David Luiz move to west London from Benfica three years ago, but is now back at the club.

Yesterday the Serbia international was back at Chelsea, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal worth around £21m.

Matic struggled to make an impact during his first spell at the club, spending a season on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem before heading to Portugal, and finally making his exit to Benfica as part of the deal bringing Luiz to Chelsea.

The Serbian is confident he will make the grade this time though. “I’ve played regularly in a big club at Benfica, where it is not easy and there is a lot of pressure. In those years I learned to be a winner and play under that pressure. I developed tactically in Portugal also, training very hard and I believe I am better physically also,” he said last night.

Matic first came to prominence during his time at MSK Kosice and was signed by then-Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti as a promising youngster. Although his career did not take off, Matic impressed during his time at Benfica and played in the Portuguese side’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Europa League final.

Benfica claim to have received a fee of €25m for the player.

“I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club,” he said. “I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy.

“It is not the same now. The team is younger now. When I was here before most of the players were very experienced, 30 years or older, and now we have a strong team with a big future.”

Blues’ manager Jose Mourinho welcomed the signing and believes the player, capped nine times by Serbia, has developed since he was last at the club. “I am very pleased that Nemanja is returning to Chelsea,” said Mourinho.

“He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder. I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions.”

Matic has been impressed by his new boss. “We have spoken. He said to be professional, to give my best for the team. It’s exciting to work with him, he is the best coach in the world and I want to work with him for a long time. I am ready.”