After much speculation, Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has been named as the new head coach of New York City FC.
Vieira was rumoured with the New York job after the club sacked Jason Kreis last Monday, and now the club have officially announced that the Manchester City under-21 coach will take over from Kreis.
The 39-year-old said in a statement released on the club’s website: “I am delighted to take up the role of Head Coach of New York City FC. To work with this squad, with Claudio Reyna and Rob Vartughian and the fantastic support team that is in place, is an exciting prospect for any coach."
“This established football set up, together with a passionate and loyal fan base, located in a special city which I know well, makes for an unparalleled opportunity that I am delighted to seize with both hands. I cannot wait to get started.”
Sporting director Claudio Reyna also had his say on the appointment, "Patrick is a natural born leader. He has played under some of the best managers in the world and experienced different leagues and playing styles, enjoying success everywhere he has been. We believe he can bring that knowledge and experience to take New York City FC forward in MLS. We are looking forward to him joining us in the coming weeks.”
Vieira is well known in the world of football for being one the best midfielders to play in the Premier League. He was brought in by Arsene Wenger from AC Milan in the summer of 1996 for a measly £3 million.
During the nine years he spent at Highbury, Vieira would go on to captain Arsenal to three league titles and four FA Cups. Vieira was also the heart of the midfield of the famous Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003/04 when the Gunners went the entire season undefeated.
When Vieira retired from football with Manchester City in 2011, the former captain of France coached various youth teams at City, and In May 2013, Vieira was appointed as the club's new reserve team and Elite Development squad manager.
Vieira will take helm at NYCFC on January 1st 2016.