Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic has finally opened up about his time at Manchester United, the struggles that forced him to leave the club and eventually retire early.
Nemanja Vidic, one of Manchester United’s greatest defenders, has opened up about the physical toll his career took on his body. Renowned for his fearless defending and warrior-like mentality, the Serbian admitted that he often had to skip training to remain fit for matches. The relentless demands of the Premier League wore him down, ultimately leading to an early retirement.
Arriving at Old Trafford in January 2006 for a modest £7 million fee from Spartak Moscow, Vidic initially struggled to adapt but soon became a defensive powerhouse. Partnering with Rio Ferdinand, he helped Manchester United secure five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. Despite his success, injuries were a persistent challenge throughout his career.
In an interview with France Football, Vidic revealed that he had been battling a herniated disc in his back since his time at Red Star Belgrade. This condition caused chronic pain and often limited his ability to train. “As a footballer, you don’t talk about injuries… I had a herniated disc at Red Star and carried it throughout my career. At Manchester United, there were times when I didn’t train, only played matches,” he shared. His revelation underscores the sacrifices he made to stay on the pitch, consistently delivering world-class performances despite the physical strain.
His resilience became legendary, playing through broken noses, concussions, and various injuries, always putting the team first. However, the Premier League’s relentless pace made it increasingly difficult for him to maintain his usual standards. As his condition worsened, he realized he could no longer perform at the level he once had. “I felt like I wasn’t the same player anymore. I couldn’t do what I used to, and in England, where the league is so demanding, I knew my time was up. I also couldn’t imagine playing for another club apart from United,” he admitted.
Vidic left Manchester United in 2014, joining Inter Milan on a free transfer. Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague him, limiting him to just 28 appearances before he retired in 2016. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged that training at United was as tough as matches. “When I arrived, training sessions scared me more than games. I had to face Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Saha, and Van Nistelrooy every day. It was a battle just to survive,” he recalled. Despite these challenges, he thrived in high-stakes matches, earning a reputation as one of the most fearsome defenders in the game.
Over the years, Vidic faced football’s finest attackers, including Messi, Suarez, Henry, Drogba, Del Piero, and Inzaghi. His battles with these greats cemented his place among the elite, though his injury struggles eventually forced him to step away from the game earlier than he would have liked. Despite his early exit, his legacy remains intact as one of Manchester United’s greatest-ever captains and defenders.
Since retiring, he has prioritized his family over a return to football management. However, he has not ruled out the possibility of a future role in the sport. “I’m still interested, but I won’t take on a club for now. I have three young children, all footballers, and I’m not ready to be away from them,” he said.
For Manchester United fans, Vidic represents resilience, commitment, and leadership. His contributions to the club’s success are undeniable, and his name continues to be chanted at Old Trafford as a sign of the respect and admiration he commands. His story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices elite players make, often pushing themselves beyond their limits to deliver unforgettable performances.
Even though injuries shortened his career, Vidic’s impact at Manchester United remains unmatched. His fearless tackling, defensive brilliance, and unwavering dedication set a standard that the club has yet to replicate. As United continues to rebuild, having a leader like Vidic at the back would undoubtedly make a difference. His influence on the club’s history is undeniable, and his legacy will endure as one of the greatest defenders the Premier League has ever seen.
