Nemanja Matic opts not to wear poppy in Manchester derby on Remembrance Sunday

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has revealed his decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his jersey during Sunday's derby against Manchester City.

The Serbian was the only Manchester United player that did not wear a poppy on his shirt on Saturday during his team's 2-1 victory over Bournemouth.

On his Instagram page, Matic explained the poppy symbol always remind him of the NATO-led bombing offensive of Serbia in 1999 when he was 12 years old at the time and begged fans to respect his decision. 

"I understand fully why people put on poppies, I honestly respect everyone's right to do so and I have got absolute sympathy for anyone who has lost loved ones due to conflict," Matic wrote.

"However, for me it is just 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 wore so previously, on reflection I don't feel it is right for me to wear the poppy anymore on my shirt."

Serbia did not recognize the independence of its former province Kosovo, whose 1.8 million people broke away 10 years ago and are mostly ethnic Albanians.

"I do not want to disrespect the poppy as a symbol of pride within Britain or irate anyone, but, we are all a product of our own upbringing and this is a personal decision for the reasons aforementioned," Matic added. 

Just last week, Stoke City midfielder James McClean issued a similar call to supporters, requesting them to respect his decision not to wear a poppy on his jersey during matches.