Former Serbian international midfielder Nemanja Matic (37) has left Lyon, the Ligue 1 side announced this Thursday. Matic has entered the final months of his contract with Gones. Matic and Lyon reached an agreement over a contract termination. The former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder is therefore a free agent. It remains to be seen whether or not he’ll join a new club or hang up his boots for good.

Matic signed for Lyon eighteen months ago when Gones were embroiled in a relegation battle after a catastrophic start to the Ligue 1 season. Matic joined from Rennes, where he had only stayed a couple of months due to the lack of international schools in the Brittany capital. The Serbian midfielder eventually featured 58 times for Lyon.

“Through his experience, high standards, and leadership, he played a major role in the team’s recovery since his arrival and continued to assert himself as an important part of the team last season”, Lyon write in their statement. Matic’s exit is also welcome news for the club’s wage bill due to its financial constraints. Lyon will play Lens away on Saturday for their first game of the Ligue 1 season. Matic was eventually suspended for this game and the one after that for covering the anti-homophobia badge on his shirt.

Tezz | Bastien Horse