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Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new manager of Ligue 1 outfit Nice.<\/p>\nFormer Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new manager of Ligue 1 outfit Nice.<\/p>\n
Vieira has left his head coach role at New York City FC to replace Lucien Favre at the Allianz Riviera.<\/p>\n
The 41-year-old Frenchman had been linked with replacing Arsene Wenger at Arsenal following his departure but he now takes charge of a Nice side that finished eighth last season.<\/p>\n
Speaking to NYCFC\u2019s official website, Vieira said: \u201cIt was of course really difficult, it was a tough decision because I spent two and a half wonderful years here.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot just professionally, I\u2019m talking personally as well. My family enjoyed living in New York and being part of what New York City FC tried to build so it is a difficult decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince I have been in this football club it has been a real pleasure to work with the players I had.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey made my job easy because they are hard workers and buy into the project and philosophy. The success I had here opened some different doors for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Announcing Vieira\u2019s departure on their official website, New York City were quick to thank the former World Cup winner for his endeavors.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York City FC today announced that head coach Patrick Vieira is leaving the club to join OGC Nice, effective immediately,\u201d the club\u2019s statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cVieira departs after two and a half years at the helm having led the team to two consecutive play-off appearances and with a current second place standing in the Eastern Conference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vieira became a household name in England after joining Arsenal in 1996 as he went on to become the driving force behind three Premier League title successes under Wenger.<\/p>\n
He captained the unbeaten \u2018Invincibles\u2019 side in 2003\/04 before a spell in Serie A with Juventus and Inter Milan followed.<\/p>\n
Vieira would return to England to play for Manchester City, going on to become a club ambassador and then the coach of the development team.<\/p>\n
As the City Football Group continued to grow, branching out into Major League Soccer with NYCFC, Vieira would eventually become head coach in 2016.<\/p>\n
Now he faces his first test as a manager in Europe, taking over at Nice as he looks to build a reputation similar to that he enjoyed during his playing career.<\/p>\n