Matic happy to be loved at last
SWANSEA striker Bafetimbi Gomis has joined French side Marseille on a season-long loan.
The 30-year-old, right, will return to Ligue 1 having begun his career at Saint-Etienne.
He joined Swansea on a free transfer in 2014 after six years at Lyon.
Gomis scored 17 goals in 71 games, but frequently flattered to deceive at the Welsh club. NEMANJA MATIC admits it is nice to hear a Chelsea boss at last showing faith in him.
New Blues manager Antonio Conte insisted this week Matic was not for sale and he intends to turn the 27-year-old into one of the top midfielders in the world.
They were welcome words for Matic, who fell out with previous boss Jose Mourinho and interim chief Guus Hiddink last season as his form and confidence dipped.
It seemed certain the Serb midfielder would leave but Conte says Matic is part of his plans despite interest from Juventus. Matic said: “What Conte said gave me a special feeling. I respect what he said about me and of course I liked what I heard.
“It was important to know I am a big part of his plans. Last year was a strange year for us but there were many things that made it hard for me that I can’t speak about. Conte played at a very high level and it helps him to know things, to understand us.” NORWICH striker Kyle Lafferty has been charged with a betting offence.
It is alleged the Northern Ireland star, right, placed a bet on a game on February 20 in breach of FA rules, which were tightened in 2014.
Lafferty, who has 54 international caps and played at Euro 2016, has until Friday to respond to the charge. ●MIDDLESBROUGH have made their eighth signing of the summer after agreeing a two-year deal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan.