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Nemanja Vidic

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has retired from football.

The 34-year-old, who spent eight and a half seasons at Old Trafford, has decided to call time on his playing career after leaving Inter Milan by mutual consent earlier this month.

Manchester United, who Vidic captained before moving to Italy in 2014, announced the news of the former Serbia international retirement with a on their official website.

Vidic said: “The time has come for me to hang up my boots,” he said. “The injuries I’ve had in the last few years have taken their toll.

“I would like to thank all the players I’ve played with, all the managers and staff I’ve worked with, and say a big ‘thank you’ to the fans for their support over the years.’

Vidic came to an agreement with Inter Milan on January 18 to terminate his contract after 18 months at the San Siro.

The former United skipper had been plagued by injuries — notably hernia and back complaints — throughout his time in Italy.

Vidic had not featured at all this season for Inter, who are enjoying a revival under former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, after making 28 appearances in the last campaign.

Vidic left United in the summer of 2014 electing to allow his contract to run down after announcing his intention to leave the club midway through the season.

The Serbian — who made 56 appearances for his country — joined United in the 2005-06 season from Spartak Moscow and went on to form a fine centre-back partnership with Rio Ferdinand.

Vidic’s time with the Red Devils saw him win the 2007-08 Champions League, plus five Barclays Premier League titles. — Sportsmail.