Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has admitted he was even more determined to win than normal against his former side Chelsea at Old Trafford last Sunday.
The Serbia international was in inspired form as his side secured a crucial 2-1 victory over The Blues.
Speaking to the Evening Standard after the game, he revealed how he was highly motivated to get one over on his former team-mates when he said:
“Of course. I played for Chelsea for three-and-a-half years [after rejoining them in 2014] and I gave my best to win against them and show my quality again.
“I didn’t have anything to prove to them. I wanted to show my new club that I deserve to wear this Manchester United shirt.
“I don’t want to speak about why I left Chelsea. I will keep that to myself. I’m happy in Manchester and that’s it. Moving to United was good for me. I play for a big club.
“This was a big win and I hope the team will continue like this because every game in this League is a war.”
Matic won two Premier League titles during his two seasons with Chelsea, although he was said to have become unsettled during the summer, when it became clear that the club was planning on signing Tiemoue Bakayoko as his long-term replacement.
The 29-year-old then asked to be allowed to leave the club and join up with his former manager Mourinho at Old Trafford.
Surprisingly, Blues owner Roman Abramovich agreed to grant his wish to move North, despite Antonio Conte being against allowing the talented midfielder join a direct rival.