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KING OF CLUBS

Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic reveals the dirtiest player he played against in the Premier League

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic has named ex-Liverpool and Southampton star Rickie Lambert as the "dirtiest" player he ever played against.

The former England forward caught the Serbian defender with an elbow, leaving his face bloodied, during a game in 2014.

 Nemanja Vidic has called Rickie Lambert the "dirtiest" player he faced
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Nemanja Vidic has called Rickie Lambert the "dirtiest" player he facedCredit: The Sun

Vidic, 36, now retired after playing out his career at Inter Milan, was speaking to the Times about his career when he made the revelation about Lambert.

The 56-cap Serbia international said: “I didn’t know many dirty players.

"Maybe just this guy from Southampton, he also played for Liverpool.”

When asked if he was referring to Lambert, Vidic replied: “Yes, him.”

 Rickie Lambert left Nemanja Vidic bleeding after catching him with an elbow
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Rickie Lambert left Nemanja Vidic bleeding after catching him with an elbowCredit: PA:Press Association

Lambert left Vidic’s face in a bloodied state during his final-ever United game in 2014.

Recalling the clash, the Serb star said: “I got an elbow from him. How did I handle it? You don’t ‘handle it’.


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"He became very small for me then.

"I’m sad for him actually, in my career I can’t think of any other player who wanted to hurt me.”

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 Nemanja Vidic left Manchester United as a club legend in 2014
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Nemanja Vidic left Manchester United as a club legend in 2014Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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On the topic of aggression, Vidic also had his say on his former centre-back partner Rio Ferdinand going into boxing, saying he'd "love" to see him fight.

Vidic smiled: “I would love to see that.

“I would love to see that actually. I am going to the match. And I am buying a ticket.

"Tell Rio I’m not asking for tickets. I’m buying.”

 Nemanja Vidic lost all respect for Rickie Lambert following their clash
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Nemanja Vidic lost all respect for Rickie Lambert following their clashCredit: Getty
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