Inter Milan have confirmed that they have reached an agreement to sign Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic when his contract expires this summer.
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Vidic, 32, had already announced that he would leave Old Trafford at the end of the season and Inter president Erick Thohir subsequently said that a deal to take the defender to the San Siro was “90 percent done.”
Following successful negotiations, the Nerazzurri have confirmed a deal to sign the former Serbia international is now in place.
Here's Vidic signing his contract. See you in June, Nemanja! http://t.co/Qtu2q0cd68 #FCIM pic.twitter.com/M62T0rP8wj
— F.C. Internazionale (@inter) March 5, 2014
Thohir told Inter’s official website: "Vidic is a world-class player. I'm extremely happy to have completed this deal to bring Nemanja to Milan. He's one of the world's best defenders and his qualities, international pedigree and charisma will be an asset to the team and help bring through our younger players.
“He will bring added value to the club and is another piece of the great Inter side we are building. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Manchester United, Nemanja and his entourage for the professional and cooperative approach they have shown throughout the negotiations.”
After the signing of Hernanes from Lazio in the winter, Vidic becomes the second major coup of Thohir's reign as Nerazzurri president. The former Serbia international will strengthen Inter's defence as they look to return to the elite of European football in the next three years.
Thohir initially set his club the target of reaching the Champions League final at the San Siro in 2016, although he has been more reserved with his forecasts recently. Inter are currently fifth in Serie A, 11 points adrift of third-placed Napoli and a place in the Champions League next season.
They are just a point clear of Parma and Hellas Verona, defending a position in next season's Europa League.
Vidic, who joined United from Spartak Moscow in January 2006, has gone on to score 20 goals in 291 games for the club.
He won five Premier League titles and was part of the side that lifted the Champions League in 2008, the first of three finals in four years he started.
The former Red Star Belgrade player replaced Gary Neville as United’s club captain in 2010 but his decision to move on spells an end to an era, with his long-term central-defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand, also likely to leave Old Trafford this summer.