Serbia’s Vidic hangs up international boots

Manchester United’s Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic confirmed his retirement from international football yesterday, just two weeks after his country’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 were ended.

“I wish to inform the supporters that, after a long period of reflection, I have decided to give up playing for Serbia,” Vidic said in an email sent to the Serbian Football Federation (FSS) yesterday.

“The main reason for my decision is the heavy criticism I have received in recent times regarding my commitment to the national team.

“I want to thank the supporters, as well as all the coaches and players I have worked with.”

Vidic, 30, made his debut for Serbia and Montenegro in a 1-1 draw against Italy in Naples in 2002 and went on to win 56 caps, scoring twice.

The centre-back is the second Serbian to quit international football in the last month.

At the beginning of October, captain Dejan Stankovic, of Inter, also stepped down.