‘I’m trying to beat Lampard’ – Former Chelsea midfielder jokes about record chase after summer transfer window closes
Former Chelsea star Nemanja Matic quipped that he wanted to break Frank LampardThe record is the midfielder with the most appearances under Jose Mourinho after joining AS Roma.
Matic announced in April that he would be terminating his 5-year association with Manchester United this summer. The 33-year-old has since joined top Italian club Roma on a one-year deal.
The move has seen the Serbia international link up with Mourinho once again. Having previously worked with the 59-year-old at Chelsea and Manchester United, he now wants to play under him in Rome.
Matic has now expressed his delight at being reunited with former manager Mourinho at Roma. He also revealed that he has set his sights on becoming the midfielder with the most appearances under the Portuguese. He was quoted saying by TARGET:
“With Mourinho, we know each other well and I am very happy to find him here [at Roma]. I’m here for him, but I’m happy to be a part of this great club, it’s fascinating for the players and that’s for me. “
“I’m trying to beat Lampard to become the player with the most appearances under Mourinho. I think the team has great quality players with young players that can be important in the future. I can’t wait to get started.”
🗣 “He’s one of the reasons why I chose Roma” Nemanja Matic says reuniting with José Mourinho was a big reason for his move from Man Utd to Roma and he is eyeing the record due to Frank Lampard sets up https://t.co/G7q9DP4N43
Lampard played a total of 215 matches under Mourinho during his time as a Chelsea star. Matic, on the other hand, made 159 appearances during his time with the Blues and Manchester United.
The Serbian will have to play 57 more games for Mourinho to break Lampard’s record. Therefore, he will have to extend his contract with Roma until the end of the 2022-23 season to achieve the feat.
Former Chelsea defender holds the record for most appearances under Mourinho
Ricardo Carvalho holds the record for most appearances under Mourinho, with 292 appearances for him. The former defender worked with the Portuguese at FC Porto, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
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Blues legend John Terry sits behind Carvalho, having made 266 appearances under the Roma manager. Lampard ranked third on the list, while Matic still has a gap.
The former Manchester United star will now once again look to become a regular under Mourinho. It remains to be seen whether he can replace Lampard to become the midfielder with the most appearances under the Portuguese.
