The Manchester United star said he respects people's decision to wear the symbol of remembrance.
But Matic can no longer bring himself to do so after a "frightening" childhood experience – with his town left "devastated" in 1999.
The Serbian star was forced into his public revelation on social media following vile abuse from fans after failing to wear a poppy in Saturday's win over Bournemouth.
As it emerged that Stoke's James McClean faces an FA probe over his reaction to fans who abused him for not wearing a poppy, Matic wrote on Instagram: "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."
Matic was sickeningly abused on social media after failing to wear a poppy on Saturday afternoon – with one critic even calling him a disgrace.
One fan wrote: "I would drop him and he would never play for United again #nosurrender #lestwe forget #wewillremember them".
Another added: "No excuse for Matic not wearing a poppy. British involvement in Kosovo has nothing to do with remembering those who gave their lives in two World Wars #DISGRACE."
A third said: "F***Matic off, no poppy."
While another added: "Matic isn't wearing a poppy, snap the c**t's leg."
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