Veni Vidi Vidic.
The news that former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has retired has brought about an end to any faint hopes of seeing the Serbian return for one last crack at English football.
Having terminated his contract with Inter Milan, Vidic confirmed that injuries have taken their toll on his body, forcing the 34-year-old to call an end to his playing career earlier than he had hoped.
Alongside Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic marshalled the United defence through one of the club’s most successful periods. Unsurprisingly, the club and plenty of its supporters used the news of his retirement as an opportunity to pay tribute to him.
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
Nemanja Vidic has announced his retirement from football.
Thanks for everything legend, leader, warrior #Mufc pic.twitter.com/hPdDobi4cM
— 🔰 Totally Man Utdâ„¢ 🔰 (@TotallyMUFC) January 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/NouChill/status/693074228002820096
Nemanja Vidic. Hard as nails and one of the greatest defenders @ManUtd fans have witnessed.
— Dale O'Donnell (@ODonnellDale) January 29, 2016
NEMANJA VIDIC.
Warrior. Captain. Leader. Legend. pic.twitter.com/Uao4rvujTy— Man Utd Channel (@ManUtdChannel) January 29, 2016
Farewell sweet prince pic.twitter.com/C2wo5hHUfe
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) January 29, 2016
Aside from being widely-regarded by fans as one of the greatest defenders the club has ever seen, the fact he was brought in for a fee of just £7m meant that he was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest signings – something not lost on many United supporters.
The thing i liked about Vidic he was bought in under the radar along with Evra and they were both inspired for us. More gems from Fergie
— Steve White (@SGCW7) January 29, 2016
We signed Vidic for £7mil and we got a captain, 5 league trophies and a Champions league trophy out of him. You don't get that value today.
— stphn (@spookyst3ve) January 29, 2016
But not everyone was complementary about Vidic. Plenty of supporters of United’s rivals clubs are still not sure that he was worthy as his reputation as one of the best Premier League defenders.
https://twitter.com/daltonhoward/status/693068355192930304
https://twitter.com/ThatchersElbow/status/693069334961324033
https://twitter.com/raymieadam/status/693042867741278209
Liverpool fans had more to say that most, fondly remembering some of Vidic’s performances against their team.
https://twitter.com/daveeee129/status/693046796856201216
https://twitter.com/daltonhoward/status/693068355192930304
https://twitter.com/alexdaggers11/status/693073472587718656
