Nemanja Matic claims he would not have gone on a lap of appreciation after his final Manchester United home match if Cristiano Ronaldo had not encouraged him.
Following news that his contract with United would expire at the end of the season, the Serbian midfielder played his final home match for the club last week.
Matic, 33, was given a standing ovation when he was substituted during a 3-0 win over Brentford a week ago, and he was applauded by fans as he took a lap of appreciation after the game.
However, the former Chelsea midfielder has now revealed that before Ronaldo intervened, he would have preferred to walk straight down the tunnel at full-time.
“I wanted to leave a mark in that club, after Nemanja Vidic, who was the first to do so. But everything that is beautiful has an end. I tried to brighten the face of all people in Serbia with my game, and I hope that someone from our region will continue this tradition.
“I wanted to get off the field as soon as possible, because I don’t like to have something revolving around me and to be in the centre of attention, but Ronaldo told me ‘Wait, what are you doing? Come back’. It is a great honour to share a dressing room with him every day.
