The tragic personal story behind Nemanja Matic’s jersey

November is a special month in the UK because in it the so-called Remembrance Day o Remembrance Day, which serves to remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War, but also in the rest of the armed conflicts that occurred later.

Thus, every November 11 different acts and events are held on the occasion of a date also known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day or Poppy Day. And this flower, adopted by the Royal British Legion for its enormous symbolic load – the only one to grow on the battered battlefields at the end of the 1914 war – can also be seen in the jerseys of the different clubs of the Premier League as a sign of homage.

But Nemanja Matic, Manchester United player, represents an unusual case since years ago he decided that he would not wear the traditional ‘poppy’ in his elastic. And not without reason. “I fully recognize why people wear ‘poppies,’ I fully respect everyone’s right to do so, and I have total sympathy for anyone who has lost loved ones to conflict”, Began in a 2018 post shared on his Instagram account after receiving numerous criticisms.

“Nevertheless, for me it is a reminder of a seizure I suffered when I was a scared 12-year-old boy that I lived in Vrelo, as my country was devastated by the bombing of Serbia in 1999. Although I have done so before, reflecting, now I don’t think it’s right to wear the ‘poppy’ on my shirt“Added the footballer.

“I do not want to disparage it as a symbol of pride for the British or offend anyoneHowever, we are all the product of our own experience and this is a personal decision for the reasons stated. I hope everyone understands my motives now that I have explained them and I can concentrate on helping the team in the games that lie ahead, “concluded the United midfielder, who again showed against Tottenham this Saturday that his decision remained immovable.