Vidic Signs New Deal

Last updated : 09 November 2007 By editor

The Guardian reports:

'Vidic, who previously earned only a third of the salary of his defensive partner Rio Ferdinand, signed a new contract with vastly improved terms yesterday to tie himself to the club until at least 2012 and the 26-year-old Serbian centre-half, who finished Wednesday's 4-0 defeat of Dynamo Kiev wearing the captain's armband, marked the occasion by backing Ferguson's claim that the Premier League champions were capable of re-establishing themselves as Europe's dominant club.

'"Playing in this team is a great privilege," he said. "I'm delighted to be able to extend my stay and I hope I can now do my bit to help us win more trophies. I certainly believe that can happen because the way we are playing at the moment we are a danger to everyone. We may need a bit of luck along the way but we must believe we can win the European Cup. We have top-quality players in attack and the feeling in defence is that we can always keep a clean sheet. We don't lose too many goals and this is the way we need to play in the future if we want to win this trophy."

'"We have a bigger squad than last season and more good players and because of that you have to say we are stronger than last season," Vidic continued. "As I say, sometimes you need a bit of luck as well. Milan didn't play particularly well last season but won the Champions League and there is a pattern of teams winning the competition when they are not going for their domestic league. But we're feeling confident about every match."'

Fergie is happy to have sealed Vidic's signature, stating, "Nemanja has made a terrific impact at the club and has formed a partnership with Rio that was a major part in us winning the title last year. He is an extremely popular member of the squad and it's great news that he wants to be part of this exciting side."

United are now thought to be talking with Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown and Patrice Evra over extending their contracts.