Nemanja Vidic has named Didier Drogba as the toughest opponent he faced during his playing career.
Ex-Manchester United stalwart Vidic forged a reputation as one of the finest defenders in the Premier League during his time in England, excelling during a period of domination for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
But asked about the most difficult opponents he faced, the Serbian name-checked Chelsea icon Drogba due to his work-rate and physicality, as well as listing Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero as two others that made a huge impression on him.
He told Four Four Two: 'People say: "You had a difficult game against Torres", but it was just the one game. I went to head the ball but changed my mind and tried to pass to Edwin [van der Sar]. I misjudged the distance and Torres scored.
'Drogba was tougher. Torres always created a chance to score, but Drogba was on you for the full game.
'Drogba was physically the hardest; [Luis] Suarez and [Sergio] Aguero were the best.'
Vidic won five Premier League titles and the 2007-08 Champions League during a hugely successful eight-year stint at Old Trafford.
He retired from the game in January 2016 after his contract with Inter Milan was terminated by mutual consent.
Former foe Drogba, meanwhile, has managed to prolong his career up to the age of 40 and is currently leading the line for USL side Phoenix Rising.
pomacloy
3
when are we going to get striker like D.D
muyabcimpt
0
Drogba was a harder man and its hard to replace him at Chelsea
morata has done that lol
Bincimopyz
1
Drogba was a good Striker
Shubham_13
0
Aguero really doesn¿t get the praise he deserves.
Because of his international record
atlanz
0
Aguero really doesn¿t get the praise he deserves.
mayb its bcos he isnt dat good
dayomz27
5
but He(Vidic) has picked up more RED card on Torres than on any other striker he played against.
Keepwell
7
Drogba was a harder man and its hard to replace him at Chelsea
happinese
8
Aguero really doesn¿t get the praise he deserves.
leausign
0
Wonder what United fans would give to him or stam back in the team. Never gave them the value they deserve. Always thinking it's east to replace themy.
luncheon
0
And united fans thought Jones and Smalling were the next Pallister and Bruce.
Edithsim
0
It wasn't just one game against Torres it was every game
useless
0
Vindic is what defending was all about for United. Was the legitimate replacement for Jaap Stam. Then again, Fergie and united fans never realised how good they were till they were gone.
adjective
0
Stiles, Mcgrarth, Pallister, Bruce, Stam, Vidic, Rio"I love social media" Ferdindand............Baiey Smalling and lindolof!!!!. United fans hate Jose for bringing in crap defenders and paul "look at my dab" Pogba.
Robberyone
0
Lindelof plays like a baillarina compared with Vidic.
Schluppe
0
Maybe he remembers that one goal but he was sent off four times in almost in successive games when Torres was about.
Halloween
0
A centre forward like Drogba or Costa in today's Chelsea team would be frightening. We can only dream.
Timothys
0
always had respect for Vidic man was hard and honest...but lost it all for him not holding his hand up and saying Torres...we all know it we all saw the fear in Vidic everytime he came up against Torres...he may have enjoyed the Drogba battle cause they are both mountains but Torres abs annihilated him everytime...sleep well Nemanja he's playing in China now.
Erlang
0
I'd say Torres to be honest. As a United fan, hated when we played Liverpool. Torres made him look silly every time lol.
Alejandro1993
0
what about Torres 😂 😂 😂
segxxzmichael
3
Premier league fans will never forget Drogba
Henryrukis
0
another one.... maybe Virgil van Will say his own. who would be Olivier Giroud.i love all your opinion. from Arnold to vidic.
ntoht
4
legend
WasimRaz
0
Drogba one of the Best of the world.....
EmeraldJ
1
Drogba is tough, physical and energetic. A typical African
Huncdety
1
Chelsea have to get striker like a door
liwcmos
3
we Chelsea fans will never forget Drogba.
psalmson68
4
drogba is a deadliest striker nd as well a legend