Nemanja Vidic, the legendary Manchester United defender, has opened up about the physical challenges he endured throughout his illustrious career.
Known for his fierce defending and warrior mentality, the Serbian revealed that his back injury, which he had been dealing with since his time at Red Star Belgrade, led him to miss several training sessions just to be fit for matches.
The demands of the Premier League ultimately took a toll on his body, contributing to his early retirement.
Vidic joined United in 2006 for around £7 million and initially struggled to adjust to English football, but quickly became one of the league’s best center-backs. Partnering with Rio Ferdinand, he helped secure five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. However, constant injuries cast a shadow over his success.
In an interview with France Football, Vidic admitted that his herniated disc had plagued him for most of his career. Despite the pain, he kept playing, even when it meant skipping training. “I had a herniated disc when I was at Red Star, and it stayed with me my whole career,” he confessed. “In Manchester, there were times when I didn’t train, just played the matches.”
Vidic’s commitment to the team was evident as he continued to perform despite his injuries, earning a reputation for toughness by playing through broken noses, concussions, and other issues. However, as the physical demands of the Premier League intensified, his injuries made it harder for him to perform at his best. He eventually realized his time at United was coming to an end. “I had the impression that I wasn’t the same player. I couldn’t see myself staying in England, I didn’t want to play for any club other than United,” he said.
In 2014, Vidic moved to Inter Milan but continued to struggle with injuries, making just 28 appearances before retiring in 2016. Reflecting on his time at United, he recalled the intensity of training sessions against some of the world’s best players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. “When I arrived, I was more scared of training sessions than matches,” he said.
Vidic’s injury problems ultimately shortened his career, but his legacy as one of the toughest defenders in Premier League history remains. He formed a legendary defensive partnership with Ferdinand and was a leader on the field. After retiring, Vidic has stayed away from football management to focus on his family but has not ruled out a future return to the sport.
Vidic’s story highlights the sacrifices footballers make for their craft, often enduring significant pain for the sake of their team. His commitment, defensive brilliance, and leadership made him one of United’s greatest captains. Though his career was cut short, Vidic remains a symbol of resilience and passion, inspiring players everywhere.
Even as Manchester United looks to rebuild, they could benefit from a player with Vidic’s mentality, leadership, and defensive excellence. His influence on the club’s history remains irreplaceable, and his name is forever etched in the hearts of United fans.
