Matic has got that ‘special feeling’ at Chelsea

It’s summer loving for Nemanja Matic, with Chelsea’s Serbian midfielder admitting life is better than ever under Antonio Conte, saying the Italian gives him a ‘special feeling’.

Matic endured a terrible slump in form last season and looked poised to leave Stamford Bridge, with Juventus eyeing him as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba.

Conte moved swiftly to quell those exit rumours, lavishing praise on the 27-year-old and stating his desire to mould Matic into one of the world’s best.

Nemanja Matic is pursued by Ovie Ejaria and Sadio Mane (Getty Images)

And after the former Benfica man started in Chelsea’s 1-0 International Champions Cup win over Liverpool, he looks set to thrive for the Blues this season.

“What he said gave me a special feeling. Like every player here, I have a good relationship with the manager. I respect what he said about me and of course I liked what I heard,” he explained.

“It was important for me to know that I am a big part of his plans. I have been at the club for two and a half years and have always given my best every day.

“While I’m here, I will continue to give everything.

“Conte played football at a very high level and it helps him to know things, to understand us. We have worked together for two weeks and I can already see that he is a great manager.

“I’m sure this team will improve under him.”