Arsenal legend Vieira retires
FORMER Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has announced his retirement and has accepted a newly-created position as Manchester City’s football development executive.
The 35-year-old Frenchman hung up his boots yesterday, 18 years after making his debut for Cannes, following a glittering career that has brought him World Cup and European Championship winners’ medals as well as seven domestic titles and five FA Cups.
Vieira joined Arsenal from AC Milan in 1996. The combative midfielder marshalled the ‘Invincibles’ team that won the Premier League title in 2003-04, while he won two other league crowns. His final kick for the Gunners was the winning penalty in the 2005 FA Cup final.
PATRICK VIEIRA | HE CAME FROM SENEGAL HE PLAYED FOR ARSENAL
1998: Vieira helps France to World Cup victory over Brazil on home soil
2002: Arsenal win 1-0 at Old Trafford to clinch their second Double in four years
2004: Vieira captain’s Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ to the Premier League title
2005: Vieira’s penalty decides the FA Cup final in his final Arsenal appearance
2008: Wins the second of four consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus and Inter
2011: Makes his final career appearance in City’s 1-0 FA Cup final win over Stoke