1
Legendary Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has revealed that he had a again harm his complete profession, which at instances saved him from taking part in coaching classes with the Purple Devils.
Sir Alex Ferguson signed Vidic in 2006, forking out £7m to safe his providers from Spartak Moscow.
He went on to ascertain himself as one of many hardest and strongest defenders in Premier League historical past. He particularly shaped a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand.
Vidic saved an unimaginable 95 clear sheets in 211 appearances for United earlier than departing in 2014. Throughout his time at Previous Trafford, he helped the membership win 15 trophies, together with 5 Premier League titles.
The previous Serbia worldwide suffered accidents, which took their toll on his physique. He retired simply 18 months after leaving United, citing health points as the first cause for the choice.
It’s well-known that he struggled with again ache however the former defender has now shed extra mild on the matter, indicating the issue troubled him all through his profitable profession.
He even revealed that at instances, he was compelled to sit down out coaching and simply play aggressive fixtures.
Vidic informed L’Equipe, “I had the impression that I wasn’t the identical participant, that I couldn’t do the identical issues as earlier than.”
“I couldn’t see myself staying in England as a result of the Premier League may be very demanding and I didn’t need to play for any membership apart from United.”
“If you’re a footballer, you shouldn’t speak about your accidents… I had a herniated disc once I was at Purple Star and I’ve had it my complete profession. In Manchester, there have been even intervals once I didn’t prepare, I simply performed the matches.”
He added about his time at United, “After I arrived, I used to be extra scared of coaching classes than matches.”
“At Carrington, I used to be up towards the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Louis Saha and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.”
“It was laborious to outlive! I really like defending. I might learn the motion properly and knew methods to place myself to keep away from having to dash. Some folks like to participate within the recreation, however I used to be completely satisfied if I didn’t let my opponent take the ball.”
“Even towards a small workforce, I ready as if I used to be going to face the very best on this planet. However I performed towards some improbable gamers: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba… I’m additionally pondering of Alessandro Del Piero and Filippo Inzaghi, who I performed towards in my first recreation for Serbia.”
The 43-year-old famous that he’s interested by a training profession however solely as soon as his youngsters have grown up.
Observe us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social