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By LUKE POWER, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 03: 47 AEST, 15 August 2025 | Updated: 03: 47 AEST, 15 August 2025 View comments A former Manchester United star has seen his contract terminated by Ligue 1 heavyweights on the eve of the season. The Ligue 1 campaign kicks off on Friday night with PSG once again the heavy title favourites after winning the last four editions and adding the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup to their trophy cabinet. But one star will not be taking part after seeing his deal cut short just months before it was due to end. And while he is 37 years old, it opens a world of possibilities for his next move after he was linked with a return to the Premier League last season - albeit with now-relegated Ipswich Town. Florian Plettenberg reported that Ipswich were battling Napoli, Florentina and Como for his signature. Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic finds himself a free agent after Lyon pulled the plug on Thursday. Lyon posted a curt statement, writing: 'Nemanja Matic and OL end their collaboration. Thank you for all the great moments, Nemanja. Best of luck for the future. ' Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has had his contract terminated by Lyon Matic spent five seasons with United between 2017 and 2022, racking up 189 appearances Matic joined Lyon in January last year from Rennes and he made 55 appearances for them. No reason has been given for why Lyon have ended their time together. In June, Lyon were relegated to Ligue 2 because of their financial plight, having announced debts of £422million last October. However, Les Gones appealed against their demotion and won, meaning they will play a 37th consecutive season in the top tier. That decision also led to Crystal Palace ultimately losing their place in the Europa League as the two clubs had both shared John Textor as an owner. Matic also found himself in hot water last season after being banned for two games for taping over a LGBTQ + logo during a match. He covered the rainbow-coloured Ligue 1 logo on his shirt against Angers on the final day of the season - part of the league's annual anti-homophobia campaign. Matic also hit the headlines for a high-profile spat with United goalkeeper Andre Onana, calling him 'one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history' ahead of their Europa League clash, after the custodian claimed the Red Devils were 'better than' the Ligue 1 outfit. The Serbian spent five seasons at Old Trafford, accumulating 189 appearances, although he was unable to build on the two Premier League titles, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup that he won with Chelsea. Midfielder Matic was an instrumental part of the Chelsea side which won the title under Jose Mourinho in 2014-15, then again under Antonio Conte in 2016-17.
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