Here’s how close Nemanja Vidic came to joining Liverpool

Nemanja Vidic could've spared himself a few difficult afternoons from Fernando Torres.

The former Manchester United captain was one of the best defenders of his generation, and the bedrock of Alex Ferguson's last great team. But to Liverpool fans, he'll always be the man who got the run-around by Torres when the striker was in his pomp. However, the Serbian defender could have been a Liverpool, rather than a United, legend. Vidic moved to Old Trafford in January 2006 from Spartak Moscow, but the defender has revealed that Rafa Benitez contacted him to join Liverpool before Ferguson intervened. "Yes. Rafa Benitez called me and I nearly went there. I was interested in going but my English wasn't good and I was struggling to communicate," Vidic told Four Four Two.

"Then Manchester United came. Fergie called me at my apartment and said: 'I watched you play for Serbia against France – I want you here'. United were decisive. Everything was done very quickly, within two days."

Vidic went on to make 300 appearances for United, winning five Premier League titles, three League Cups and the Champions League. The 34-year-old left Old Trafford in June 2014, signing for Inter Milan, but was restricted to just 28 appearance, and announced his retirement earlier this year. Listen to our GAA podcast with Colm Parkinson. Click here to subscribe on iTunes. https://soundcloud.com/sportsjoe-gaa-hour/we-join-the-celebrations-on-the-tipp-bus-and-paul-galvin-on-kerry