Updated

Nemanja Vidic will complete his widely anticipated move to Inter Milan when his contract at Manchester United expires at the end of the season.

Inter said Wednesday in a statement that negotiations with United "have reached a successful conclusion" and that Vidic will "wear the black and blue of Inter next season."

"He's one of the world's best defenders and his qualities, international pedigree and charisma will be an asset to the team and help bring through our younger players," Inter president Erick Thohir said. "He will bring added value to the club and is another piece of the great Inter side we are building."

No contract details were disclosed, but Vidic will be joining Inter on a free transfer because he will be out of contract.

Vidic said last month he would be leaving United at the end of this season after eight years at Old Trafford, during which he won five Premier League titles as well as the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

The former Serbia center back joined United from Spartak Moscow for 7 million pounds (then $12.8 million) in 2006.

United manager David Moyes is in the process of rebuilding the team after taking over from Alex Ferguson. Another center back, 35-year-old Rio Ferdinand, might join Vidic in leaving the club while 40-year-old midfielder Ryan Giggs is nearing the end of his playing career and is already on the coaching staff.