Nemanja Vidic Penalty Kicks His Way Into International Retirement (Video)

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic ended his international career in dishonor Tuesday. The Serbian missed a penalty kick that would have put his national team in position to qualify for Euro 2012 and promptly retired from international soccer after the game, the Daily Mail reports.

"It's time for a change of generations, and for some older players to say goodbye to Serbian kit." Vidic said in a postgame press conference. 

Vidic suffered a calf injury during Manchester United's opening game of the English Premier League season and has not appeared for the Red Devils since the middle of August. His inclusion in the Serbian team for the must-win game against Slovenia was a gamble in itself. The decision to allow him to take the 64th minute penalty kick was borderline irresponsible. Serbia went on to lose 1-0 and will not play a part in next summer's European Championship.

Vidic's international retirement at age 29 will be a boost to Manchester United. His contract runs until 2014 and the club will benefit from its defensive rock playing fewer games as he approaches and passes 30. 

He ends his international career with 51 appearances for Serbia (including those he made for Serbia-Montenegro).

There is a chance he could play when Manchester United faces Liverpool on Saturday at Anfield.

See the video below for Vidic's missed penalty kick.