NEMANJA VIDIC has revealed the Manchester United dressing room is stunned by Mikael Silvestre's defection to Arsenal.

The French defender ended a nine-year stint at Old Trafford by signing a two-year contract with the Gunners.

And while Vidic understand's his friend's decision to seek more regular first team football, he is still reeling from the news.

He said: “It surprised me. In fact I think it has come as a surprise to everyone.

“It is not often a player leaves one big club to go to another like Arsenal or Liverpool. It does not tend to happen.

“But Mikael did not play much last year and I think he just wanted to go somewhere where he would, so in that sense I am happy for him.

"He has been here a long time and he still deserves to play at the highest level.

“Mikael has given so much to this club. I am just surprised he is going to Arsenal. But he has made the choice.”