Nemanja Matic Explains Decision to Stop Wearing Poppy on Manchester United Shirt

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has explained his decision not to wear a poppy on his jersey this weekend. The Serbian did not wear a depiction of

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has explained his decision not to wear a poppy on his jersey this weekend.

The Serbian did not wear a depiction of the ceremonial flower during United's 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday and explained in an Instagram post that he isn't planning to have one displayed on his uniform in the games which follow.

"It is only a reminder of an attack that I felt personally as a young, frightened 12-year old boy living in Sabac".

Nemanja Matic has explained why he will not wear a poppy.

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The United enforcer revealed that the poppy now serves as a poignant reminder of when his village was bombed by NATO when he was a 12-year-old boy.

He posted a message to Instagram in which he claimed to respect people's right to wear poppies, but insisted won't be wearing himself.

"I recognise fully why people wear poppies, I totally respect everyone's right to do so and I have total sympathy for anyone who has lost loved ones due to conflict," Matic wrote. "However, for me it is only a reminder of an attack that I felt personally as a young, frightened 12-year old boy living in Vrelo, as my country was devastated by the bombing of Serbia in 1999.

"Whilst I have done so previously, on reflection I now don't feel it is right for me to wear the poppy on my shirt.

"I do not want to undermine the poppy as a symbol of pride within Britain or offend anyone, however, we are all a product of our own upbringing and this is a personal choice for the reasons outlined.

"I hope everyone understands my reasons now that I have explained them and I can concentrate on helping the team in the games that lie ahead."