Ex-Arsenal Skipper Patrick Vieira Named Nice Manager

French legend takes up reigns at Allianz Riviera

by Benjamin Richardson
Vieira Nice
OGNNice

Former Arsenal midfield enforcer Patrick Viera has been officially revealed as the new manager of Ligue I outfit Nice.

The Frenchman has left MLS franchise New York City to take over the reigns from the outgoing Lucien Favre. The Swiss coach left the French Riviera earlier this summer to assume control of Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.

Nice's president Jean-Pierre Rivère commented that the club were seeking "a coach with the ability to continue to produce attractive football, to bring through youngsters by taking risks, and someone who lives and breathes to win." The 41-year old, who started out at nearby Cannes, ticks all those boxes, having enjoyed an illustrious career playing for Arsenal, Juventus, Inter, and Man City. Amongst his greatest achievements were World Cup and European Championships triumphs with France.

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Vieira, a part of Arsene Wenger's indomitable 'Invincibles' side of 2004, had been tipped to succeed the perennial Gunners manager after he stepped down this summer. Arsenal eventually settled on Spaniard Unai Emery instead.

Nice, who boast maverick Italian forward Mario Balotelli amongst their ranks, finished a disappointing 8th place in Ligue 1 last season

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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.