Patrick Vieira: Arsenal disappointed me

Having spent nine years at Arsenal, ex-captain, Patrick Vieira has voiced his disappointment in not being given a coaching role at the club, as reported by RMC (h/t Goal.com). 

Vieira left Arsenal to return Italy to play for Juventus and Inter Milan, before once again making the move back to England to join the Manchester City revolution. Following his retirement, Vieira was appointed as the Football Development Executive at City before becoming a coach for the club’s reserve squad. Vieira, who is now head coach at New York City FC, has spoken of his disappointment with the lack of assistance from Arsene Wenger in helping him forge his managerial career. 

‘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.’