Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira was born on 23 June 1976.
The French midfielder was considered as one of the best players of his generation, He began his career at French outfits Cannes in 1994, where several standout performances his next club was Serie A giants, AC Milan, however, he had a limited playing time, and he featured mainly for the second team. This allowed him to leave the club and sign for Arsenal where he has played under his countryman, Arsène Wenger at Arsenal.
During his nine-year spell with the Gunners, Vieira established himself as a dominating box-to-box midfielder, he was known for his aggressive and highly competitive playing style and his attitude helped him become a club captain in 2002.
He was named in the Premier League PFA Team for six consecutive times from 1999 to 2004. He was one of the most important players for Arsene Wenger’s side with the Gunners he has lifted four FA Cups and three Premier League league trophies as per transfermkt, including one unbeaten in the 2003/04 season.
He then made a return to Italy, signing for Juventus, however, quickly departed after they faced relegation for their part in a match-fixing scandal. He remained in Serie A signing for Inter Milan where he has managed to win four league trophies, before making a return to the Premier League with Man City.
Besides Arsenal, Vieira was also a key part of France national team, representing them for 12 years, where he also spent some part with the captain armband. He played in the final in his nation’s victorious season at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2000. Despite also playing a vital role in the side that finished runners-up in the 2006 World Cup, he has retired from international competition in 2010, after amassing 107 appearances for the side.
On 14 July 2011, Frenchman has announced his retirement from football and accepted a training and youth development role at his former team Man City. In May 2013, Vieira was appointed as the head-coach of the club’s new reserve team: the Elite Development Squad, On 9 November 2015, he was handed his first head-coach role at MLS club New York City FC, his next coaching job was at Ligue 1 outfits Nice, and for now he is a head-coach of Premier League club, Crystal Palace.
