Former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old retires with five Premeir League titles, a Champions League, five Community Shields, three League Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup.
The Serb featured in the PFA Team of the Year from 2006/07 consecutively to 2008/09 and once again in the 2010/11 season.
“The time has come for me to hang up my boots,” he told 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.”
Vidic celebrates after winning the Champions League final soccer match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Wednesday May 21, 2008. United beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after the match eneded 1-1 after extra time. Image: Ivan Sekretarev / AP/Press Association Images
Vidic had his contract terminated by Inter Milan in January, after failing to make a single appearance for the Nerazzurri this season due to a hernia.
He featured 28 for the club in his first campaign, after leaving Manchester United in 2014 on a free transfer.
He joined Manchester United from Spartak Moscow in a £7m transfer in January 2006, and quickly formed a centre-back pairing with Rio Ferdinand.
Tributes have poured in from around the around the world in the wake of the news.
Spoke to Vidic in Dec. “Moscow,” he said, “was the highlight. To win the cup where I’d lived, in my old stadium, against our main rivals...”
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) January 29, 2016
Never afraid to put his head where it hurts... #Vidic #UCL pic.twitter.com/2ZXrIYQ06P
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2016
Happy retirement Nemanja Vidic! 300 Games 21 Goals 5 Premier League Titles 3 League Cups 1 UCL Warrior. pic.twitter.com/RSpLGEyQdJ
— Premier League (@EPLBible) January 29, 2016
Former #mufc defender Nemanja Vidic has announced his retirement from football. Thanks for the memories! #VivaVidic pic.twitter.com/G4sbdsjj1m
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 29, 2016
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