Manchester United midfielder has given an explanation why he would not wear a poppy on his jersey when they take on Manchester City in the Premier League, he opined that it reminds him of his village bombing when he was young, according to report in BBC.
Matic was just 19 years old as at when the bombing occurred in his village led the Nato forces to drive away the Serbian forces from Kosovo territory.
The Serbian midfielder was the only Manchester United player that refused wear the poppy in the 2-1 win over AFC Bournemouth in their Premier League clash on Saturday and will go on the act the same way in the Manchester derby.
In his statement, Matic said: "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.
"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."
The Royal British Legion said, "the decision to wear the poppy must be a matter of personal choice".
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