Premier League Manchester City have signed former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira on-loan until the end of season. City will also have the option of extending Vieira’s stay by 12 months in the summer.
Vieira had fallen down the pecking order at Italian champions Inter and has moved to gain regular first team football. The midfielder passed a medical on Thursday and will now join up with the City squad.
The 33 year-old played a key role for Arsenal for nine years and won numerous trophies with Arsene Wenger’s side. He was also linked with a move back to the Gunners and also neighbours Tottenham but has now ended speculation over his future by signing for City.
Vieira has become Roberto Mancini’s first signing at the club. The City manager had previously worked with the French international at Inter. And the former Nerazzurri boss has always been a big admirer of the player.
Mancini has revealed that he is delighted to have signed the midfielder. He told the clubs official website: “Patrick is a world class midfielder with a winner’s mentality and will fit into this group very well,”
“He knows me and my staff well, and importantly he also knows what the Premier League is all about. He will not need much time to settle in. Patrick is one of the great players of this era with almost every honour in the game against his name.
“I am sure City fans will welcome him warmly and appreciate the contribution he will make.”
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