Ray Wilkins, ‘Chelsea selling Nemanja Matic was the worst piece of business I’ve ever seen’

Ex-Chelsea midfielder and assistant manager, Ray Wilkins, believes the summer sale of Nemanja Matic is the “worst” piece of business he has ever seen by his former club.

The 60-year-old, speaking on Sky Sports New HQ, was left stunned that the defending Premier League champions allowed the Serbia international to join rivals Manchester United this summer, for a fee reported to be £40m.

When questioned about The Blues’ decision to offload the defensive midfielder, he replied, “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen, if I can say.

“I cannot see that for the life of me.

“You’ve got a guy here who was so paramount to Chelsea along with [N’Golo] Kante in the middle of the pitch, winning the championship for Chelsea the year before and all of a sudden you’ve sold him to one of or the biggest rival we have.

“I say we because I am a Chelsea supporter so I’m speaking from the heart when I speak.”

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte (right) celebrates with Nemanja Matic.

Wilkins added, “I just could not see why we would let Nemanja go there.

“He’s been outstanding for us and you’ve seen in the short period that he’s been there, how he’s allowed [Paul] Pogba to basically go and do what he wants.

“I just couldn’t see that piece of business, at all.”

Matic, who rejoined Chelsea back in January 2014 following his £21m switch from Benfica, has played the full 90 minutes in Manchester United’s opening three Premier League fixtures, where Jose Mourinho’s side have scored 10 goals, conceded none and therefore boast the only 100 per cent record in the top-flight this term.

The Serbian star won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup during his two spells at Stamford Bridge (2009-2011, 2014-2017).

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