'Wholly incomprehensible' - Former Man Utd & Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic slammed after going AWOL in bid to force transfer away from Rennes

The experienced midfielder has been pushing for an early exit from the Ligue 1 side despite just joining from Roma in the summer transfer window. The Serbia international has left Rennes, with some reports claiming he is currently in London with his family, much to the fury of the club.

A statement from the French side read: "Stade Rennais midfielder Nemanja Matic did not turn up to the most recent first-team training sessions for which he was summoned. This behaviour is wholly incomprehensible for an experienced player under contract until 2025. Naturally receptive to the personal well-being of their players, the club would like to point out that every aspect necessary to the full integration of Nemanja Matic and his entourage has been carried out with the utmost transparency. Stade Rennais FC have always worked to put their players, in particular foreign players, in the best possible conditions to express their skills on the pitch. SRFC are now waiting to hear the player’s explanations and are determined to take the necessary measures to protect their interests."

It has been reported that Matic wanted to leave Rennes over a dispute concerning unfulfilled promises from the club over his children's education. His next step is not yet clear, with some outlets claiming that he is considering announcing his retirement from the game, but it has since emerged that he may have agreed to join Lyon.

Former Chelsea and Manchester United star Matic may be set for a lengthy battle with Rennes, who appear to have no intention of sanctioning his departure. He signed a contract with the club until the summer of 2025 and made 19 appearances in all competitions.