Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has revealed that he was once close to signing for Middlesbrough.

The Serbian midfielder underwent a trial with the then Premier League club during his time with MFK Kosice.

However, he never heard back from the Teesiders and has since rejoined the Blues following a stint in Portugal with Benfica.

"The club was okay, they were in the Premier League at that time with some good players like Stewart Downing and Robert Huth," he told Chelsea's official magazine. "I don't know why it didn't happen – I went to join up with the national team and the clubs were supposed to talk, but I never heard any more about it.

"Who knows what would have happened if I signed for Middlesbrough – would I be here today? All I know is that I am a Chelsea player now and very happy to be here. I am 25 and I hope the best years of my career are going to be here."

Matic has made 10 appearances since his January return to Stamford Bridge.