The teak tough defender announced his retirement from football today. He’ll be sorely missed.
The Serbian had been at Inter Milan since the summer of 2014 until his contract was terminated earlier this month, but it is for his contribution to Manchester United during almost a decade at Old Trafford for which he will be remembered.
After a difficult start following his arrival from Spartak Moscow in January 2006, Vidic soon became a cult hero amongst United fans and established himself as one of the best and most fearsome defenders in the Premier League and in Europe.
Tough, incredibly brave and always committed, Vidic was a leader and a natural choice as captain of the club, with whom he won 15 trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.
He also played in every game during Edwin van der Sar’s world record run of 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal in 2009 and formed one of the best central defensive partnerships in the history of the Premier League alongside Rio Ferdinand.
Here are some of the moments for which he’ll be fondly remembered by Man United fans.
Cracking tackle in the lead-up to a Wayne Rooney goal v Arsenal, 2006
Coming off best in a collision with Micah Richards, 2008
Last-minute goal and great celebration v Sunderland, 2008
Typically committed defending v Chelsea, Champions League Final, 2008
Blocking an Emmanuel Adebayor effort with his head, 2009
Super strike v Aston Villa, 2011
Tackle on Lionel Messi, 2011 Champions League Final
Taking no sh*t from Mario Balotelli, 2011
Ridiculous attempt to block the ball with his head v Swansea, 2013
Big tackle on Kyle Walker, 2013
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