Vidic surprised by Silvestre
22 Aug 2008 - 08:47:25
Manchester United central defender Nemanja Vidic has admitted to being surprised by Mikael Silvestre's recent departure for Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Silvestre had made more than 350 appearances for the Red Devils during his nine-year stay at Old Trafford, but opted to take up a new challenge with the Gunners earlier this week.
Vidic said: "It surprised me. In fact I think it has come as a surprise to everyone.
"It is not often a player leaves one big club to go to another like Arsenal or Liverpool. It does not tend to happen.
"But Mikael did not play much last year and I think he just wanted to go somewhere where he would.
"He has been here a long time and he still deserves to play at the highest level. Mikael has given so much to this club.
"I am just surprised he is going to Arsenal, but he has made the choice and I am happy for him."