After Making The "Correct Option" To Leave Manchester United On A Free Transfer, Matic Aims To Surpass Lampard's Performance Under Mourinho

At Roma, the Serbian midfielder has reconnected with a Portuguese coach with whom he previously collaborated on two occasions in England.

Nemanja Matic made joked that his summer move from Manchester United to Roma as a free agent was motivated by his desire to surpass Chelsea veteran Frank Lampard as the midfielder who has made the most appearances under Jose Mourinho.

In Italy, a Portuguese coach who the Serbian player previously worked with twice in England has been reunited with him. Both of those stints were at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford, and the 33-year-old was looking forward to reuniting with old teammates after deciding to accept a new challenge in Serie A.

The player with the most overall appearances under Mourinho is Ricardo Carvalho, who has made 292 total appearances. The former Portugal international defender has played with a fellow countryman at Porto, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.

In his two terms as Stamford Bridge's demanding strategist, John Terry played in 266 matches, whilst Lampard is third on the record with 215 appearances.

Matic is still far from the 159-point threshold, but he will be aiming to secure an extension at Roma after the original year of his contract expires.  He has said of the reasons for heading to Stadio Olimpico: “With Mourinho we know each other well and I am happy to find him here. I’m here for him, but I’m happy to be part of this great club, it’s attractive for players and it was for me"

“I am trying to beat Lampard as the player with the most appearances under Mourinho. I think the team has great quality players with youngsters who can be important in the future. I can’t wait to start" He says.

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