Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic retires

The 34-year-old won 15 trophies in his eight years playing for Manchester United

Former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has announced his retirement in a statement to his old club's official website.

The 34-year-old recently left Inter Milan after moving to the Italian club when David Moyes took over at United.

“The time has come for me to hang up my boots,” he said. “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,” he said.

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The Serbian — who made 56 appearances for his country — joined United in the 2005-06 season from Spartak Moscow and went on to form a fine centre-back partnership with Rio Ferdinand.

Vidic’s time with the Red Devils saw him win the 2007-08 Champions League, plus five Premier League titles, three League Cups and a Club World Cup.

He left Old Trafford to join Inter in July 2014 and played 28 times for the San Siro side, scoring one goal.

But hernia and back injuries meant he failed to feature for the Nerazzurri this season.

Prior to today’s news, he had been linked with Aston Villa this month.