Arsene Wenger pays tribute to ‘sensational’ Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira

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Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to former Arsenal favourite Patrick Vieira after the midfielder confirmed his retirement from professional football.

Vieira, 35, has agreed to become a football development executive at Manchester City, where he finished his playing career.

Wenger, who brought Vieira to England in 1996, told Arsenal’s official website: “You can only have lot of respect for what Patrick has achieved.

“His career is sensational. He was an exceptional player for us.

“We have classy players in midfield now but Patrick was special.

“He was a tall player with good technique.”

Vieira captained the Gunners to an historic unbeaten Premier League campaign in 2003-04, when the side last won the league.

The French boss, however, refused to compare Vieira with his current crop of midfielders.

“You do not compare old players with new players. We have exceptional players in midfield with their own character,“ he said.

“But at Arsenal we will be forever grateful for Patrick’s contribution.”

During his time at Arsenal, Vieira won three Premier League trophies and four FA Cups, and also won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championships in 2000 with France.