Nemanja Matic says he took just a single minute to decide to return to sign for Chelsea in the middle of this season.
The Serbian colossus initially signed for the west London side in 2009 but found his path to the first team blocked by the likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien, with the more senior players winning the battle for a central midfield berth.
Matic left for SL Benfica in 2011 as part of the deal to bring David Luiz to Stamford Bridge, and upon learning the ropes at the Portuguese giants, was seen as the missing link in the Blues midfield and returned in January for £21 million.
“I had no doubts about coming back,” Matic said. “I spoke with my agent for one minute and that was it. I decide it was good for me to come back.
“To be honest, I didn’t know what my contract was going to be. I just said: ‘OK, I will go there and after that we will see’. We made a deal and I am happy.
“The first time here I was very young and Chelsea had big players in my position: Ballack, Lampard, Essien. I also came here injured, I was four months out so it was difficult for me.
“I feel now is the right moment for me to play Premier League. It is not easy for young players in the Premier League because it is very hard, very tough. Now I feel I am prepared.
“I want to use this chance to play for a big club in a big league and work with a coach like Jose Mourinho, who is one of the best in the world.”
Given his performances since returning to west London, Matic could prove a crucial player for the remainder of season.
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