Internazionale have confirmed the free transfer signing of Nemanja Vidic, who will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.
The Serbian international has been at Old Trafford since January 2006, since when he has established himself as one of the best central defenders in Europe. During his time in England, he has won five Premier League titles, three League Cups and in 2008, he played a key role in the UEFA Champions League victory over Chelsea.
Now 32, Vidic is out of contract during the coming summer, and he announced last month that he had decided to call time on his spell in England in favour of a new challenge elsewhere. He was almost immediately linked with a move to Inter, and Erik Thohir, the owner of the Italian club, recently admitted talks were underway.
And the Serie A side have now confirmed that the former Spartak Moscow ace, who had also been linked with Juventus, Monaco and Galatasaray, has agreed a deal to join the Nerazzurri in time for the 2014/15 season. Thohir didn’t reveal the details of the contract, but it is being reported the player has been handed a three-year deal.
Thohir told the club’s website on Wednesday afternoon: “Vidic is a world-class player. I’m extremely happy to have completed this deal to bring Nemanja to Milan. He’s one of the world’s best defenders and his qualities, international pedigree and charisma will be an asset to the team and help bring through our younger players. He will bring added value to the club and is another piece of the great Inter side we are building.”
Like United, Inter are almost certain to miss out on Champions League football this season. They are currently in fifth place in the Serie A standings, a massive 28 points behind leaders and champions Juventus, and 11 behind Rafael Benitez’s Napoli who currently occupy the all-important third place which grants entry to Europe’s premier competition.
