The time to coach the Gunners, the club which saw him become the best defensive midfielder in the world and one of the best in history has passed, it now seems a little bit difficult for Patrick Vieira con convince the Arsenal board to take on the job that Arsene Wenger is soon to vacate. Vieira's burning desire has always been to coach the Gunners, but many circumstances have prevented him from reaching his goal.
He told RMC: "It's true that after spending nine years at Arsenal, it's the club of my heart - the one where I played my best football - I would have liked if the door was more open to me or other players who spent time there and who would have wanted to learn their career as a coach. Unfortunately, that's not the case. I was lucky to arrive at Manchester City at the right moment, but it's true that it leaves a little disappointment with regards to Arsenal.
"I don't think that [myself, Thierry Henry or others] have the ambition to claim the spotlight at Arsenal, because it's not possible. Things must be done naturally. I don't know the demands of everyone, but in my case I just expected a call to ask me if I would go and learn my craft at Arsenal - without taking the place of the U21 or U19 coach, because they are good at their job. I've never spoken [with Wenger]. At the same time, he does want he wants."
Photo credit: Patrick Vieira