''I do not regret anything in my career, but if I could change anything, I would not say no to Real Mdarid. 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, November 2012.
If the legendary former Arsenal captain ever wonders why he never gets the same appreciation, love and respect from Gunners supporters, all he has to do is look at the above quote. Not only did their former title-winning captain nearly sign for their cross-city rivals towards the end of his career, but he also coaches the reserve side of title rivals Manchester City. However, what irks the Gunners more than most was the long-running transfer saga in the immediate aftermath of the 03/04 Invincible season regarding the Frenchmans constant flirting with Real Madrid. However, despite a summer of reports suggesting that the talismanic powerhouse was on his way to the Santiago Bernabeu in a £30 million deal, Vieira eventually committed his future to Highbury. However, he was subsequently embroiled in a contractual dispute and departed north London for Turin the following summer anyway.
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.
