Former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is looking forward to a new challenge in Serie A.

The Serbian defender was unveiled to the media yesterday after joining Inter as a free agent this summer after eight seasons at Old Trafford.

“I should have arrived in Italy many years ago,” Vidic told www.inter.it.

“Finally I have the opportunity to play here. I don’t think this is a step backwards in my career, I believe this is a step forward for me.

“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.”

The 32-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Nerazzurri outfit and is ready to help Inter return to winning ways in Italy and in Europe.

“Inter is one of the top clubs in the world. There was a new project in place and I liked it,” he said.

“When Inter made an approach, there were many other clubs interested in me but not Milan. I’m happy to be here.

“I know the president has a long-term plan and he wants to keep Inter at a high level.”

Vidic joined United from Spartak Moscow in 2006 and enjoyed a trophy-laden eight-year spell at Old Trafford, including five Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy and a Club World Cup.

Reports in Italy claimed Vidic could be handed the captain’s armband after Inter’s long-term skipper Javier Zanetti retired from football last month.

However, Vidic has denied such rumours.

“First of all I have to earn a place on the pitch. I’ve always given my best regardless of whether I have the captain’s armband,” he said.