Friday, 8th January 2010

Patrick Vieira’s much anticipated return to Premier League football has been confirmed, with the former Arsenal captain joining Manchester City as was widely expected. The 33-year-old is the first high-profile signing made by manager Roberto Mancini in the January transfer window, with more undoubtedly to come.

Vieira, who has not played in a competitive fixture for France since September 2007, said in The Guardian, "I set myself an objective – I want to go to the World Cup. The important thing for me is to go to Manchester City and to show the coach [Roberto Mancini] I’m the same player as when he was in charge of Inter."

The Frenchman is expected to be paid more than £100,000-a-week, on an initial six-month loan deal, with an option to extend to another year. Although Vieira is far from being washed up, it is believed he was acquired more for his presence as a natural leader and winner, rather than his performances on the pitch.

 

 

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