Manchester United confirm via Twitter that club captain Nemanja Vidic will leave at the end of the season

It’s been in the offing for some time now, and it’s finally been confirmed: Man United captain Nemanja Vidic will leave the club at the end of the season.

With different theories about non-contract offers doing the rounds, and poorly translated quotes from his agent, it seems Vidic simply wants a fresh challenge after 8 seasons at the same club.

The statement released by Vidic, though, could be read as a thinly-veiled barb at the current situation, saying he wants to challenge himself again and ‘make the best of myself in the coming years’ – so that can’t be done at United any longer?

Italy appears to be the most likely destination for Vidic, with Juve and Fiorentina looking to be the most interested parties, but a move elsewhere in Europe could also develop.

It’s not great news for David Moyes, whose defence is anything but a bedrock right now, with Vidic’s long-standing partner Rio Ferdinand way off the pace this season and looking past his best.

Read Vidic’s leaving statement via Manchester United’s club website below:

“It’s the last year of my contract and I have had eight wonderful years here. My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career.

“I never could have imagined winning 15 trophies and I will certainly never forget that fantastic night in Moscow, memories that will live with me and the fans forever. However, I have decided that I will move on at the end of this season. I want to challenge myself again and try to make the best of myself in the coming years.

“I’m not considering staying in England as the only club I ever wanted to play for here is Manchester United and I was lucky enough to be part of this club for so many years. I’ve got a few options to move on and I will choose the right one for me and for my family.

“I am now going to focus all my efforts on playing for Manchester United and do the best I can for the team until the end of the season. I hope this stops any further speculation about my future.”