Vidic There were some shocked faces in the Football Transfer Tavern as news arrived from BBC Sport this morning.

The publication reported that Nemanja Vidic has announced he will be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season.

The Serbian’s contract runs out in the summer and he has decided to depart Old Trafford after over eight distinguished years in Manchester.

In a statement issued by the defender to ManUtd.com, he said: “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.”

Vidic’s decision to leave spells the break up of the team Sir Alex Ferguson had at Old Trafford, with fellow defenders Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra also expected to depart in the summer as David Moyes looks to freshen up the team.

Inter Milan are favourites to land Vidic, and the Serb leaves with the best wishes of all the punters in the tavern after a glorious career at Old Trafford.