Nemanja Vidic: Defender admits he should have left Manchester United 'years ago'

Serbian defender unveiled at new club Inter on Friday

Nemanja Vidic has said he should have left Manchester United sooner (Getty Images)

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has said that he should have left Old Trafford years ago.

The 32-year-old former captain ended an eight-year spell in red to join Inter Milan on a free transfer. Vidic was officially unveiled in Italy on Friday and said he should have made the move sooner.

"I should have arrived to Italy many years ago," Vidic said. "Finally I have the opportunity to play here."

Vidic departed the club along with long-term defensive partner Rio Ferdinand - the 35-year-old former England defender is yet to officially find a club but is likely to sign with Premier League newcomers QPR.

After arriving for around £7m in January 2006, Vidic went on to win five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Club World Cup and the Champions League.

He was named in the Premier League team of the season twice.

"I don't think this is a step backwards in my career, I believe this is a step forward for me," he added.

"Italian football suits my game well and, as I said before, I have joined one of the big European clubs.

"English football is different to Italian but that doesn't mean that Italian is more simple."

Vidic signed a three-year deal and is rumoured to have been named captain of Inter, who finished fifth last season.