As if Man United fans needed any more bad news…
The Serbian defender put an end to speculation surrounding his future last night when he confirmed that he would be leaving United after eight years at the club where he won a hatful of trophies, served as captain and established himself as one of the best central defenders in Europe.
Vidic is one of a number of United players whose future had been the subject of uncertainty in recent months and his contract is due to expire this summer.
Amid uncertainty over whether the club were going to offer him a new deal, he has decided to seek a fresh start and confirmed that he will not join another club in England, with Serie A thought to be his most likely destination. Inter Milan, Juventus and Fiorentina are already believed to have shown an interest.
In a statement on the Manchester United website, Vidic said: “It’s the last year of my contract and I have had eight wonderful years here. My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career.
“I never could have imagined winning 15 trophies and I will certainly never forget that fantastic night in Moscow, memories that will live with me and the fans forever. However, I have decided that I will move on at the end of this season. I want to challenge myself again and try to make the best of myself in the coming years.
“I’m not considering staying in England as the only club I ever wanted to play for here is Manchester United and I was lucky enough to be part of this club for so many years. I’ve got a few options to move on and I will choose the right one for me and for my family.
“I am now going to focus all my efforts on playing for Manchester United and do the best I can for the team until the end of the season. I hope this stops any further speculation about my future.”
Vidic had suffered with a number of injuries in recent seasons but his departure will still come as a big blow at Old Trafford, where he was a huge fans’ favourite.
It is also a sign of the huge transitional period the club are undergoing at the moment, with more players set to follow Vidic through the exit door between now and the summer and David Moyes having also promised the arrival of more big names following the signature of Juan Mata during the January transfer window.
