Regional Star Worked as a Lumberjack to Survive: 'Nobody Wanted Me, I Got 75 Euros'

The path to football stardom is often fraught with challenges, a reality exemplified by the life story of former Serbian international Nemanja Matić. The midfielder, who previously played for top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Roma, and now represents Sassuolo in Italy, recently turned 38.

“

Nobody wanted me in Serbia at the time. I played in the third tier for a salary of 75 euros per month. I couldn't make a living from football, so I worked with my father as a lumberjack.

Matić's early career was far from glamorous. He spent time in Slovakia's third division, where he was not wanted by other clubs and earned a meager 75 euros per month. "Nobody wanted me in Serbia at the time. I played in the third tier for a salary of 75 euros per month. I couldn't make a living from football, so I worked with my father as a lumberjack," Matić revealed in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

“

I always had two dreams: to debut as a professional and to play for Red Star Belgrade. I thought they would remain just dreams. Instead, I went for a trial in Košice, and Jan Kozák signed me. That's how it all began.

Despite the hardships, Matić held onto his dreams. "I always had two dreams: to debut as a professional and to play for Red Star Belgrade. I thought they would remain just dreams. Instead, I went for a trial in Košice, and Jan Kozák signed me. That's how it all began," he recalled. His journey led him to win the Slovak Cup in the 2008/2009 season before moving to Chelsea.

“

When you start by playing for 75 euros a month, and then find yourself in one of the big clubs, you realize how lucky you are and that you are thinking correctly.

Matić emphasized the importance of focusing on health and love for the game. "When you start by playing for 75 euros a month, and then find yourself in one of the big clubs, you realize how lucky you are and that you are thinking correctly," he said. He also noted that compared to his younger days, he now has a greater desire to train and play, perhaps because he knows his time in the sport is limited.

“

Compared to my younger days, I now have a greater desire to train and play. Perhaps because I know that I don't have much time left.