Former Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic has announced his retirement after a glorious career that saw him win the Premier League on several occasions as well as the UEFA Champions League.
The 34-year-old Serbian spent 8 seasons with the Red Devils, before moving to Italian club Internazionale in May, 2014 on a free transfer. He enjoyed a brief spell of success at Inter before terminating his contract on 18th January, 2016 by mutual consent and announced his retirement earlier today.
During his time at Old Trafford, Vidic won five Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and three League Cups. He was also included in the PFA Team of the Year four times and won the Premier League Player of the Season award twice, a feat only matched by Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The time has come for me to hang up my boots,” said Vidic in a statement released to manutd.com. “The injuries I have had in the last few years have taken their toll.
“I would like to thank all the players I have played with, all the managers and staff I have worked with, and say a big ‘thank you’ to the fans for their support over the years.”
A True Red Devil
Vidic was one of that rare breed of players, who can boast of all the qualities that make a perfect defender — awareness, physicality, leadership, aerial ability and the willingness to put his body on the line. He remains one of only two defenders to win the Premier League Player of the Season title alongside Vincent Kompany, and is the only one to win it twice.
The solid defensive partnership between the Serbian and Rio Ferdinand formed the backbone of United’s massive run of success from 2006 to 2013, and will remain one fondly remembered by United fans.
