In the immediate aftermath of Arsenals invincible 03/04 season, in which they claimed the Premier League trophy without registering a single digit in the loss category, it was almost inevitable that the most decorated club side in European football would take note. For Arsene Wenger, this was not something he would not become well versed to within a few years, as his best players deserted the Gunners for pastures anew. However, on this occasion, Real Madrid werent successful in their dogged attempts at luring the Arsenal captain to the Santiago Bernabeu.
''I do not regret anything in my career, but if I could change anything, I would not say no to Real Madrid. When they tried, I refused because I did not like the way they had treated Makalele. Now that my career is over, it is an honour to see that Madrid wanted me, because when Madrid goes for a player, it means youre a great player. Patrick Vieira.
Despite a summer of tabloid rumours and broadsheet reports documenting the long-running transfer saga of the summer, during which the Senegalese-born Frenchman pondered over a move to the Galacticos, Vieira ultimately committed his future to the Gunners. Of course, he was subsequently embroiled in a contractual dispute and left for Juventus under acrimonious circumstances the following summer.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
