Why have Manchester City signed Vieira?
Before I go any further, I have to stress that, in my opinion, Patrick Vieira is, was and always will be a total footballing god.
Many a time I have seen with my own eyes the power and influence that the Frenchman can have on a game of football.
Vieira captained Arsenal's 'Invincibles' of 2003-2004; he has won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three Serie A titles, a World Cup and European Championship.
In fact, since scoring the winning penalty against Manchester United in the 2005 FA Cup final, his final match for Arsenal, the Gunners have not won a single trophy.
That was Vieira's influence.
I chose the word 'was' carefully. Maybe Arsene Wenger did sell Vieira a year too early for Gunners' fans' liking, but he had become injury-prone and his all-action style of play was taking a toll on his body.
The slower nature of Italian football was always going to suit him more in his later years and Vieira has cleaned up in a less competitive league.
Yet Vieira's influence at Inter Milan has been getting less and less with the wily Jose Mourinho no longer reliant on his old war-horse.
So, with old Inter coach Roberto Mancini now at Manchester City, we see the return of Vieira Mark II.
Don't forget, City are the richest-club in Britain, possibly the world. They were willing to pay Kaka whatever he wanted to come to Manchester. They already have Gareth Barry, Nigel De Jong, Vincent Kompany and Stephen Ireland battling for a midfield place.
They can sign whoever they like, for whatever fee they want, yet Mancini swoops for a 33-year-old, deemed past his best by both Wenger and Mourinho (who incidentally have won five Premier League titles between them), on a measly six-month contract on a free transfer.
If rumors are to be believed Mancini was also sniffing around Juan Veron, another veteran who crashed and burned at both Manchester United and Chelsea.
Why is a multi-millionaire shopping at flea markets?
As I said before, 'Paddy' is a god and I will always love him for what he did at my beloved Arsenal, but he has had his day and the immovable colossus that he used to be, has gone.
Good luck Paddy, it's a great move for you. But all you City fans should be asking serious questions as to why the club who can get any player they want....can't.
Manchester City's reasons are a bit confusing, why go spend your money on a player that will possibly have trouble competeing at one of the fastest leagues in the world when you can get a one that can compete in the Premier League! Yes i agree he was a brilliant defender and an outstanding leader but at one point, his skills will decrease and it has shown. Serie A was a perfect league for him but Inter Milan felt he has he reached the point where he is not able to compete at Serie A's tempo. Manchester City was a mistake on both parts, like i said, if Man City wants a defender they could look at a young talent or look at other top defenders, they do have the money. Vieira sill has something to offer in the world of football but in my opinion he would be better off in a slower pace league like France or Germany. But he is still one of my influences and I wish him the best of luck.
The current Manchester City boss is a shrewed businessman as well sharp football manager. Looking at current Manchester City line up – they still need world class midfield line up with another striker up front of Drogpa style – more physical in the ground and good in the air. Then Man.City could be knocking at the European Tournament as well as home league . Like I always say, it takes at least two seasons to settle and set a good team. I think Patrick Viera will be an asset to the current side. If they get Veron on free transfer, it will be even better. Pramok, Kathmandu, Nepal.
I think Man City needs a good leader and Vieira may well fit in.However,they need to do more than buying just Vieira.
Viera is affected by age,that made him 2 play from bench at Internazionale milano.Viera is a good player but,he will be too slow to fit in2 man city's kind of game b'cos city plays with pace & strength.nevadless,it's good signing for the citizens since Viera is a leader & this is what city is lacking. Forza Inter!
No doubt the pedigree of Patrick Verira cannot be over emphases and also for mancini. However, i cannot understand the rationale in the purchase of Patrick Vieira. i think Mancini got this wrong because you need a fast and young player for the English League.
I really wish Manchester City well.
I am not a fan of PATRICK VIERA but I do know that he is leader. He is charismatic. ManCity needs him on and off the pitch to coordinate the players and influence them positively. Maccini knows what he's doing. Viera's services isn't to play only football but goes beyond that. Maccini, I salute your wisdom!
Apparently a young midfielder "Song" of Arsenal plays a bit a slow but very influential. I don't see such difficulties in English premier to obstruct a well experienced and skilled french man.
Man city is both doing business and entertaining its viewers. viera is a fantastic english premier league experienced player and can deliver what is needed and yet still attained at a very minimum cost. thats what u get from a double business minded team like man city!
Am suprised as well am just hearing 4rm you today in my own opinion it's good and bad good in d sense that him being inflencial on and of d pitch wit little playing time,he has this commanding & defending kind of play and still let's not 4get that he's age i tink ireland and kompany are doing a great job it will only take time to blend the team .thank you
I am a bit disturbed if Patrick Vieira could be good enough for the fast pace footballing Manchester City Plays. Vieira is a my idol, and i prefer him in situations where attackers draw back a bit before initiating speeds.. We may not take it away from Vieira,as long as the current system of play by Manchester City is modified to suit his inclusion.