Former Man Utd star who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo on debut and regretted walking out on Sir Alex Ferguson retires at 37
FORMER Manchester United star Zoran Tosic has retired from football at the age of 37.
The Serbian hangs up his boots after a spell at Greek side Lamia ended in the summer.
Tosic announced his retirement on social media, saying in an emotional statement: “Unfortunately, everything good comes to an end.
“I was hoping this moment would never come, but now I’m sure it’s time for me to end my football playing career.
“As a child I dreamt of playing for Partizan, Serbia and Manchester United, and I was lucky enough to make my dreams come true at 21.
“Many trophies, wins, ups and downs but the love was always there. Thanks to my family who made this trip possible.
“Thank you to the coaches, my team-mates, and everyone who has been with me for the whole 20 years. I am especially proud of ten years of playing for my country Serbia.
“Lastly, a big thank you to the fans of the clubs where I performed, I always felt genuine support.
“Football still remains my greatest love and passion. See you in some other role.”
Tosic caught the eye of United scouts while playing for homeland club Partizan Belgrade.
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He moved to Old Trafford in January 2009 and made his debut soon after, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo as a substitute in a fourth round FA Cup win over Tottenham.
The winger then made his Premier League debut a few days later, coming on for Dimitar Berbatov in a victory against West Brom.
Overall, he made just five appearances for Man Utd before moving on loan to German club Cologne.
On his return, Tosic hoped to force his way into Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side, but the legendary boss told him to be patient.
He quit the Red Devils for CSKA Moscow in 2010 for more game time, in a transfer he now regrets.
Tosic previously said: “I had grown up a United fan so to be working for the man who had brought so much success to the club was just unbelievable.
“However, there is a big difference between the Serbian and English league and when I arrived in Manchester I discovered I was not yet ready for that level.
“I spoke with Sir Alex many times and he kept telling me I had quality and just had to keep working hard.
“But I wanted to play more games so went to Cologne in Germany on loan and had a great six months there.
“When I came back to Manchester I was expecting to play more games for United but it didn’t happen.
“In the end I wasn’t sure I was going to get the chance I felt I deserved so decided to change club.
“Even now I am always thinking about that moment. Maybe I should not have been so quick and should have worked longer to show Sir Alex.
“Maybe I should have stayed and fought for my place. This was Man United after all.”
Tosic went on to become a club legend at the CSKA Moscow, staying for seven years and winning three league titles.
In recent years, the 76-timed capped Serbian international returned to Partizan and had spells in China, Kazakhstan and Greece.