And it all comes to an end. Nemanja Vidic, the Serbian central defender who enjoyed his greatest success under Ferguson and saw his career dwindle at Inter has taken that big decision to call it quits. As he does so, it gives one time to reflect on what he did. His highs that included a Champions League medal and lows that involved drinking, gambling and hookers. That was a lie, but it just sounded more interesting.
Central defenders and goalkeepers are the ones who are most likely to keep playing on the wrong side of 35. These positions do not require the speed and agility of youth, and instead benefit from the wisdom and knowledge that age brings. Vidic is someone who I thought could have had a good career at Inter, but that didn't work out. Once Miranda and Murillo came in, the message was loud and clear.
Still, Vidic could have moved to the MLS where that league is trying its best to be taken seriously by recruiting the best talent. Or, he could have gone to the new flavor of the month, China. A massive pay day before diving headfirst into retirment. Options were there, but you have to look at what the body can take. Is it worth it? Will you be able to offer the club at least three quarters of a season?
Answer was no and Vidic decided to choose the rocking chair, slippers and cigar. So it's time for him to decide what to do for the future and what projects he can be involved with. Looking back at his career now, he has to go down as one of the best defenders that United have ever had. It wasn't a case of him entering into the team and being amazing. This was gradual.
When he first came in, he was pretty good, but not amazing. It was really the big money man, Rio, who was the defender that everyone looked to keep the backline in order. Over seasons, Vidic improved, became better and ultimately Ferguson saw fit to give him the captain's armband. That was a sign of him entering into a higher stage in his career. It was validation not only as a player but as a person with character.
One of the best defensive partnerships I've seen in the Premiership is Vidic and Ferdinand. For all the good football that United played, and the goals they scored, their success was built at the back. Scoring against them was trying to break down a metal wall with an ice-pick. A rather hard task. That was what made United so formidable and allowed them to go on winning runs with the few goals they conceded.
So as Vidic kicks it back knowing he will never have to train again or be involved in a professional football match, a part of him will miss it. Will feel strange for a few months, but then he will start to reflect on what he's done. Maybe a better career with Serbia could have been on the cards, but not many defenders in the world had the kind of success he did with Man United.
He can be proud knowing that fact.
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