Nemanja Matic has reunited with Jose Mourinho for the third time in his career, with the Serbia midfielder linking up with Roma on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United.

The 33-year-old is ready to take on a new challenge in Italy after bringing a lengthy spell in English football to a close.

Matic moved on to Old Trafford in the summer of 2017 but, despite having an extension option in his deal with the Red Devils, feels the time is right to spread his wings again and open a new chapter in Serie A.

Matic is approaching the end of his distinguished playing career, and as such has only been tied to an initial one-year contract at Roma.

That deal does, however, reportedly include the option of a 12-month extension if all parties agree to prolong their association in the summer of 2023.

He is set to earn a reported €6 million-a-year salary at Stadio Olimpico.

Speaking following the announcement of his move, Matic said: “I am pleased and honoured to be joining this club and I cannot wait to start the new season with my team-mates.

“Roma is a big club, with amazing fans and a coach, Jose Mourinho, who is well known to everyone – making the decision to come here very straightforward.

“I hope that by working together we are able to achieve some great things.”

Matic first signed for Chelsea in 2009, but was taken back to Stamford Bridge by Mourinho in January 2014 when a £40m ($50m) deal was agreed with Benfica.

The pair savoured Premier League title success in their one full season together, as the Blues returned to the summit of English football in 2014-15.

Matic would spend a further two campaigns in west London before a familiar Portuguese coach came calling in 2017.

He helped Manchester United to the FA Cup final in 2018, only to suffer a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

Mourinho was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford in December of that year, but Matic stayed on to take his overall tally of appearances for the Red Devils to 189.

He will now be hoping to chase down more major silverware under a proven winner, with Roma still basking in the glow of their 2021-22 success in the inaugural Europa Conference League.

While United have allowed Matic to depart as a free agent, they have also seen fellow midfielders Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard tread a similar path.