Matic standing by Serbia decision
Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic feels he made the right decision in retiring from international football.
The 33-year-old called time on his Serbia career in 2020 and has no regrets, even though the nation have made it through to the World Cup finals, ahead of Friday's group-stage draw.
Serbia qualified by topping a group containing Portugal, with Bruno Fernandes's double against North Macedonia ensuring they will also be in the hat for the ceremony in Qatar.
The midfielder felt it was time to step aside and let the younger generation shine, while also helping to ensure he is in the best condition to represent United.
When asked by United Review if the decision to quit had been taken to help prolong his career, he replied: "Yes, and also to give the chance to young ones who are waiting in the queue. I was thinking that was the time to have some breaks - when we have internationals.
"In the previous 10 years, I’d had a lot of games without any holidays, so I think I did right. Now, I’m more focused on the club, on my body, on my recovery, and that was my decision. From this perspective, I think it was the right one."
Matic certainly feels he has plenty of years left and is reaping the rewards of making the difficult call.
"I don’t know, to be honest!" he said, when the topic of matching former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic for longevity came up. "At the moment, I feel great, physically strong.
"Thank God, no major injuries. So we will see. The first day I come to training and I’m not happy, that will be the day when I will stop. But I feel very happy.
"I like to play; football is my life. So let’s see. For sure, the next three or four years, I’ll be on the pitch.
Read the Nemanja Matic interview in full in Saturday's United Review, the official matchday programme.