Lukman Mumuni

updated at April 28, 2023 at 10:44 AM

• Nemanja Vidic has revealed what happened during the 2008 UCL final which led to Drogba's slap
• The Ivory Coast and former Chelsea star was sent off in the final in Moscow
• Manchester United defeated Chelsea to win the UEFA Champions League in 2008

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has finally opened up on the infamous slap from Chelsea striker Didier Drogba during the 2008 UEFA Champions League final.

The Ivorian striker was sent off in the second half of extra-time after brushing the face of the defender following a heated clash between players from both sides.

Manchester United went on to win the competition on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.

According to Vidic, Drogba slapped him after an argument between him and the player but couldn't figure out what he actually said to suffer the attack.

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"Because, there was some arguing on their half," he told Rio Ferdinand on the Joel Beya Podcast when asked why Drogba slapped him.

"I was actually running 30 metres to there and he was there as well and I don't know what happened but he slapped me," he added.

Ferdinand, who was Vidic's partner in defence at that time, replied it was such a huge relief to see Drogba leave the pitch.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Manchester United before Frank Lampard levelled to send the game into penalties.

The Portuguese superstar missed from the spot during the shootouts before Chelsea's John Terry and Nicolas Anelka wasted their spot kicks.

Vidic picks between Ronaldo and Rooney

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Manchester United legend, Nemanja Vidic has appeared to have chosen who between Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney was better at Old Trafford.

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Whereas the debate pitting Rooney against Ronaldo is not as deep-rooted, United fans have often seemed divided on who between the two played a more vital role at the club.

According to Bleacher Report, the two struck up a formidable partnership at the Theatre of Dreams during their time together under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Vidic opens up on Messi clash

Nemanja Vidic has opened up about his nightmarish encounter with Lionel Messi in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final.

Messi’s God-given wizardry with the ball at his feet makes him a frightening proposition to any opposing defender, with Vidic being the latest to attest to the extra-terrestrial powers of the Argentine phenom.

The legendary Manchester United defender recounted how he was left devastated by Messi in the 2009 UCL final held in Rome, Italy, where the now-PSG attacker 'took the soul' of the Red Devils' backline.