Vidic denies criticising life in England

(GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has denied criticizing the English way of life — and the rainy weather in Manchester.

"I'd like to clarify that I did not make these particular remarks," Vidic told United's Web site on Wednesday. "I spoke about the difficulty I had settling in to life in Manchester, but that does not reflect how I feel now."

The 26-year-old Serbia international gave an interview to Russian magazine Football Weekly, which was widely — and according to Vidic incorrectly — reproduced in the British media.

"In Manchester the main attraction is a timetable at the railway station where trains leave for less rainy cities," Vidic was quoted as saying. "Throughout the week they (people) all work so hard ... Then in the evening they come home and watch the telly so they can get up early for work the next day."

Vidic admitted he struggled with the English language and culture when he moved from Spartak Moscow in January 2006. However, the Serb said on United's Web site that he is now happy at Old Trafford.

"I enjoy my life very much as a footballer at Manchester United and I'm very happy to be part of this great club," Vidic said. "I think I show that in the way I play every week. I also have far too much respect for the people of Manchester, and England, to criticize them in this way."