Gerrard ‘couldn’t believe’ this one went through.
Chelsea selling Nemanja Matic to Manchester United in this summer’s transfer window came as a big shock to former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, he has revealed.
The Serbia international has been a big hit at Old Trafford since his move from the Blues, where he had also established himself as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
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Still, Chelsea made some changes in that part of the pitch this summer and opted to bring in both Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater in that area, seemingly leaving no more room for Matic.
United manager Jose Mourinho worked with the 29-year-old during his time as Chelsea manager, and it’s easy to see why he was eager to be reunited with him at his new club.
Gerrard, however, admits he was surprised to see Chelsea let such a top player leave for one of their major title rivals.
‘(He’s) one of the toughest opponents I’ve played against as a six,’ Gerrard told BT Sport, as quoted by the Mirror.
‘He’s very leggy, he’s good in the air, he competes, he always gets a toe in, he can run and match your runs.
‘He’s very aggressive with the ball and without the ball, he can burst past you with it and he can catch you if you manage to stride past him on the odd occasion.
‘Couldn’t believe it (Chelsea sold him). I think out of all the Manchester United players I’ve seen them sign over the years he’s the one, as a Liverpool fan, I thought “Oh no. I hope not,” and then it happened.’