43 Facts About Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidic is a Serbian former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.

Nemanja Vidic is best known for his time at Manchester United, was part of the Serbia national team, and is considered as one of the greatest defenders in the history of the sport.

Nemanja Vidic is one of only four players to win the Premier League Player of the Season award twice, alongside Thierry Henry, Kevin De Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nemanja Vidic's captaincy ran over the course of four seasons, until his departure in July 2014.

Nemanja Vidic mainly featured as a rotational player for two seasons, eventually agreeing to an early termination of his contract on 18 January 2016, as a result of inactivity due to a hernia injury.

Related searches

Yugoslavian youth international, Nemanja Vidic made his senior debut on 12 October 2002 against Italy in UEFA Euro 2004 qualification.

Nemanja Vidic was part of Serbia and Montenegro's "Famous Four" defence, that conceded just one goal during the ten 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, setting a record for the fewest goals conceded.

Nemanja Vidic collected a host of honours in his United career, including three consecutive Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, three League Cup medals, as well as being included in three consecutive PFA Team of the Year sides from 2007 to 2009.

Nemanja Vidic was born to Dragoljub, a now-retired copper factory worker, and Zora, a bank clerk.

Nemanja Vidic took up football at six years of age, alongside his older brother Dusanko, with local side Jedinstvo Uzice.

Nemanja Vidic progressed quickly, and moved to Sloboda Uzice at the age of 12.

Nemanja Vidic started his senior career on a season-long loan deal at Spartak Subotica in 2000.

Nemanja Vidic moved back to Red Star after the loan deal ended, playing regularly in the top-flight Yugoslav League with coach Zoran Filipovic.

Nemanja Vidic quickly gained the captain's armband, and during his three years as captain, he scored 12 goals in 67 matches and ended his Red Star career on a high note by leading the club to a domestic double.

Nemanja Vidic won the 2004 Serbia and Montenegro League and Serbia and Montenegro Cup trophies with Red Star and, in July 2004, he joined Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow.

The details of the transfer were not revealed, although it was reported that Nemanja Vidic became the most expensive defender in the history of the Russian Premier League.

On 16 February 2006, Nemanja Vidic won his first trophy with United, coming on in the 83rd minute for Wes Brown in the 2006 League Cup final win against Wigan Athletic.

Nemanja Vidic received a medal for his appearance in the final, but later gave it to team-mate Giuseppe Rossi in recognition of Rossi's contributions in the earlier rounds of the competition.

On 8 November 2007, Nemanja Vidic signed a five-year contract extension, keeping him at Manchester United until 2012.

Nemanja Vidic was a part of the squad which won the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final against Chelsea, his first European medal.

Nemanja Vidic started every match in the domestic league, with United going on a record run of 14 consecutive clean sheets in Premier League matches.

On 23 July 2010, it was reported that Nemanja Vidic had extended his contract with Manchester United by agreeing to a new long-term contract, ending long-running speculation of a move to Real Madrid.

On 1 March 2011, Nemanja Vidic was sent off in stoppage time in an intense match against Chelsea for a foul on Ramires.

Nemanja Vidic went on to lift the Shield as the captain, claiming his fourth Community Shield medal of his career.

Nemanja Vidic missed the first two UEFA Champions League games of the season against Benfica and Basel, both ending in draws.

Related searches

Nemanja Vidic did not make the match at Anfield, but returned in the following game in the Champions League against Otelul Galati.

Nemanja Vidic was sent off midway through the second half for a high challenge in what was arguably a harsh decision.

On 25 September 2012, Nemanja Vidic was ruled out for eight weeks due to another knee injury.

Nemanja Vidic was expected to return for United's game against CFR Cluj in the Champions League on 5 December 2012.

Nemanja Vidic was ruled out of this game and the next Premier League game against Manchester City.

Nemanja Vidic managed to make 22 league appearances for the Red Devils, scoring one goal, as the club won its 13th Premier League title, finishing 11 points over incumbents Manchester City.

Nemanja Vidic stated: "I'm not considering staying in England as the only club I ever wanted to play for here is Manchester United".

Nemanja Vidic's expulsion totaled to four red cards against Liverpool during his career at Manchester United, more than any other player against an opponent in the history of the Premier League.

In 2014, Inter Milan announced that Nemanja Vidic would be joining them at the end of his contract in July 2014.

Nemanja Vidic made his debut for Inter on 30 July 2014, playing against his former team, Manchester United, in the International Champions Cup; he scored in the penalty shoot-out, but Inter lost the match.

Yugoslavian youth international, Nemanja Vidic made his senior debut on 12 October 2002 against Italy in UEFA Euro 2004 qualification.

Nemanja Vidic was part of Serbia and Montenegro's "Famous Four" defence, alongside Mladen Krstajic, Ivica Dragutinovic and Goran Gavrancic, that conceded just one goal during the ten 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, setting a new record for the fewest goals conceded.

Nemanja Vidic missed out on Serbia and Montenegro's opening group stage match against the Netherlands through suspension from his previous red card, and on 12 June 2006, he injured his left knee ligaments during training, and therefore he did not participate in any games at the 2006 World Cup.

Nemanja Vidic was a regular during 2010 World Cup qualifying when fit, and was instrumental in Serbia finishing top of their group ahead of the likes of France and Romania, with the best defensive record of all the teams participating in the group.

On 24 October 2011, Nemanja Vidic announced his retirement from the Serbian national team, because of negative comments from fans about his performances in the national shirt.

Nemanja Vidic was considered to be one of the world's best centre-backs in his prime due to his defensive consistency and awareness, as well as his strength, leadership, and ability in the air, which made him a goal threat on set pieces.

Nemanja Vidic was praised for his aggressive defensive style by his Manchester United team-mates, and was highly regarded in the media for his on-the-pitch bravery throughout his career.

On 17 July 2005, Nemanja Vidic married Ana Ivanovic, an economics student at the University of Belgrade.