Saturday 5 July 2014 09:31, UK
Nemanja Vidic says he still has much to look forward to as he embarks on the next stage of his career in Italy.
The Serbian defender, who turns 33 this October, was unveiled to the media on Friday after joining Inter Milan as a free agent at the end of the season.
Vidic has signed a three-year deal with Inter, following eight seasons at Manchester United where he collected five Premier League titles and a Champions League winners’ medal.
And he told the Italian press: "Finally, I have the opportunity to play here.
"I should have arrived in Italy many years ago. 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.
I should have arrived in Italy many years ago. 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.
"Inter is one of the top clubs in the world, with a great history and tradition. There was a new project in place and I immediately liked it.
"When Inter made an approach, there were many other clubs interested in me but not AC Milan. I'm happy to be here.
"I know the (club) president (Erick Thohir) has a long-term plan and he wants to keep Inter at a high level."
Reports in Italy claim Vidic could be handed the captain's armband after long-time skipper Javier Zanetti retired from football last month.
But Vidic played down such comments, adding: "First of all I have to earn a place on the pitch.“
And as for fitting into Inter’s style of play, he went on: "Last year I was able to watch many of their games and I've had the opportunity to get to know my new team.
“I've never played in a three-man defence but the role of a defender remains the same whether you play with three or four in the line."
Inter, who finished fifth in Serie A last season, will compete in next season's Europa League.
