Yesterday Nemanja Vidic announced his retirement from football, thus ending an impressive football career.
Although the Serbian has also played for "Red Star," "Spartak," and "Inter" teams, he is best remembered for his time at "Manchester United," where he won numerous trophies and was awarded personal prizes multiple times.
After Vidic decided to end his career, Bleacher Report compiled a list of his top five magical moments in the ranks of "Manchester United."
Champions League final, 2008
Starting to discuss Vidic's highest career points, it is necessary to begin with the 2008 Champions League final. Representing the "Manchester United" team, the defender overcame "Chelsea" after a penalty shootout in the final in Moscow, forming a fantastic center-back duo with his partner at the time, Rio Ferdinand.
To witness the resolute defense he displayed, you can watch this Youtube clip where he defends a corner kick.
Vidic was involved in one of the most important incidents of the match. As the second half of extra time was coming to an end, both teams started a scuffle. During this, "Chelsea" striker Didier Drogba slapped Vidic and received a red card, having to miss the penalty shootout.
After that, there was the famous John Terry slip, and "United" won the shootout 6-5, securing their third European title.
Header goal celebration against "Sunderland," 2008
In the 2008-2009 season, "Manchester United" won their third consecutive title with Vidic in the center of defense. But in December 2008, the league table indicated that "Liverpool" were favorites to win the trophy.
Trailing their main rivals by points, they seriously contended for further distancing themselves from the leading team in a home match against "Sunderland." Although Marton Fulop defended the opponent's goal well, "United" fought until the end without Sir Alex Ferguson (he was forced to miss the match due to a suspension), and Vidic dramatically extended the victory in extra time.
Michael Carrick took a shot, after which Vidic rushed to the ball and sent it to the net, much to the joy of all fans. After this goal, the Serb's celebration added even more to his popularity among the "United" fans.
"United" won the title that season, leaving "Liverpool" behind by four points.
Blocking Adebayor's shot with a header, 2009
"Manchester United" fans will always remember Vidic for his committed and energetic defensive style. The Serbian never shied away from the challenges awaiting him and never showed fear in facing them.
A perfect example of this is a moment in the Champions League match in April 2009 against the "Arsenal" team. When the London club's forward Emmanuel Adebayor prepared to shoot, Vidic dove towards the ball and cleared it with his head from Adebayor's foot.
Was it reckless? Perhaps. Effective? Without a doubt. For every "Manchester United" fan, it was a perfect demonstration of how strongly Vidic wanted to win the match and how much he could do to achieve that.
"United" won the semifinal and reached the final, where they lost to the "Barcelona" team.
Team and individual awards
Vidic's excellent play was rewarded with numerous team and personal trophies. Although these may not be considered the most individually impressive moments, when you put them all together, you see how important he was to the "United" team.
With the team, Vidic won five "Premier" League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. The 2010-2011 title was the first one for him as the captain, and the 2012-2013 triumph was the last playing for "Manchester United".
Additionally, the Serbian was repeatedly awarded individual honors. He was selected in the FIFPro World XI for the 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 seasons, and Vidic also made it into the "Premier" League's season dream team four times. Twice he was named the "Premier" League Player of the Season, and the fans chose him for the "Premier" League's best twenty-year dream team.
Curved goal against "Aston Villa," 2011
Throughout his career at "United," Vidic scored 21 goals. This number is simply great for a defender. Finding himself in dangerous positions in the opponent's penalty area, the Serbian proved time and again that he could technically exploit the opportunities given to him.
Such an opportunity arose in a "Premier" League match against "Aston Villa" in the summer of 2011. In the 63rd minute of the match, Wayne Rooney, who scored twice that night, deflected the ball to Vidic in the penalty area. With a beautiful one-touch strike, he powerfully shot the ball into the opponents' net, contributing to another win for the hosts of that match.
This great moment in the opponent's penalty area once again proves what a fantastic player he was and how he demonstrated his strength not only on his side of the field.
