FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED captain Nemanja Vidic has retired from professional football with immediate effect.

The 34-year-old defender was recently released by Inter Milan and has this morning released a statement via Man United to confirm his decision to hang up his boots.

“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.”

Vidic had his contract terminated by the Italian club earlier this month after his time at the San Siro was plagued by injuries.

The Serbian suffered an injury setback before the season and was then unable to displace regular centre-back pairing Miranda or Jeison Murillo.

Vidic was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for £7 million in January 2006 and spent eight trophy-laden years at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

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