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Inter claim 'world class' Vidic coup

Inter Milan president Erick Thohir says the Serie A club have signed a "one of the world's best defenders" after announcing a deal has been reached with Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic.

Vidic, 32, had already declared that he would leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season and Thohir subsequently revealed that a deal to take the Serbian to the San Siro was "90% done".

Following successful negotiations, Inter confirmed on Wednesday that negotiations to sign the former international have reached a successful conclusion.

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"Vidic is a world-class player," Thohir told Inter's official website. "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."

Vidic, who joined United from Spartak Moscow in January 2006, has scored 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 brought an end to an era, with his long-term central-defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand, is also likely to leave Old Trafford this summer.

It's official: Nemanja #Vidic will play for #Inter next season! #FCIM— F.C. Internazionale (@inter) March 5, 2014

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