7 amazing facts about Nemanja Vidic

Modified May 17, 2014 15:00 GMT

With the season finally over,the melancholy surrounding Vidics departure is still fresh in the hearts of United fans. Vidic was with United from 2006 to 2014, and was one of best defenders Manchester United ever had.Here are 7 facts you wouldnt normallyknow about the Serb.

#1 Fiorentina nearly signed Vidic before United.

Before signing for United, Vidic had already signed a deal with Fiorentina but due the non availability of any EU spots on their roster, he was unable to complete his move.

Realizing they had no time to waste, United stepped in and signed him for £7 million on 25 December 2005.

#2 Took 43 days to win his first trophy

Vidic joined the club on 5th January 2006 and on 16th Feb 2006 he won his first silverware (Carling Cup) with United.

But he gave his medal to Giuseppe Rossi to honor his contributions for United earlier in the tournament.

#3 His record v/s Liverpool

He received a total of 4 red cards against The Reds, more than any other player against an opponent in Premier League history.

#4 He almost joined the Army

When civil war broke out in his country, he was about to join the army but was sent home as he was a footballer.

He himself admitted:”I went for all the medical tests at the army training headquarters and it was only because I was able to produce some paperwork to show that I was a footballer with Red Star Belgrade that I was sent home.

I was 18 and eligible for National Service, but people like students and footballers were not sent to fight. “

#5 International retirement

Vidic retired from International football for Serbia in 2011 and said that the criticism of his commitment to the national team and a desire to give younger players the opportunity to play for Serbia were the major factors.