Vidić set to depart Old Trafford this summer

Club captain Nemanja Vidić has announced he will leave Manchester United FC at the end of the season, explaining that he wants to challenge himself again.

The statement ends eight successful years at Old Trafford during which the former Serbian international won the UEFA Champions League, five Premier League championships, three English League Cups, five FA Community Shields and the FIFA Club World Cup. His partnership with Rio Ferdinand is widely regarded as one of the best centre-back pairings of the Premier League era.

"It's the last year of my contract and I have had eight wonderful years here," said the 32-year-old, who joined from FC Spartak Moskva in 2006. "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 [winning the UEFA Champions League], 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 and 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 doing the best I can for the team until the end of the season." Former FK Crvena zvezda defender Vidić has made 21 starts for David Moyes's side this term, putting behind him two frustrating campaigns when serious knee injuries limited his involvement.