Chelsea signed Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic from Slovakian team MFK Kosice in a deal worth $2.4 million yesterday.

“I play together with Branislav Ivanovic [Chelsea defender] in the national team and have spoken to him about Chelsea. The first time I met him to play in the national team I asked a couple of questions,” the 21-year-old, who signed a four-year contract with the Blues, told the press.

Matic has prior experience of life in England, having taken in a trial at Middlesbrough in January, but is hoping his second spell will be more pleasant that the first.