BELGRADE - Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic confirmed his retirement from international duty because of criticism of his attitude toward the national team.
The last of Vidic's 56 appearances for his national team came against Slovenia this month, when he missed a penalty in a 1-0 defeat that cost Serbia a place in the play-offs for the 2012 European Championship.
Vidic announced his decision in a statement carried by Serbia's football federation on Monday.
"I wish to inform the public and the fans that after long consideration, with heavy heart, I decided to say goodbye to the Serbian team," 30-year-old Vidic said.
"The main reason for this decision is that for a long time, especially in light of recent events, the media and thus the public criticised my attitude toward the national team, even though I sometimes played injured, sometimes against the will of my club. Therefore, I do not want to burden the next generation of our players before the new cycle of qualifications."
Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic also said after the Slovenia defeat that he would no longer be available for Serbia.
Vidic retires from Serbian national side
BELGRADE - Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic confirmed his retirement from international duty because of criticism of his attitude toward the national team.
The last of Vidic's 56 appearances for his national team came against Slovenia this month, when he missed a penalty in a 1-0 defeat that cost Serbia a place in the play-offs for the 2012 European Championship.
Vidic announced his decision in a statement carried by Serbia's football federation on Monday.
"I wish to inform the public and the fans that after long consideration, with heavy heart, I decided to say goodbye to the Serbian team," 30-year-old Vidic said.
"The main reason for this decision is that for a long time, especially in light of recent events, the media and thus the public criticised my attitude toward the national team, even though I sometimes played injured, sometimes against the will of my club. Therefore, I do not want to burden the next generation of our players before the new cycle of qualifications."
Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic also said after the Slovenia defeat that he would no longer be available for Serbia.
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