It was in the autumn of ’96 that I first set my eyes on Patrick Vieira outside the Arsenal Boardroom at Highbury after he had been introduced to some Directors and shareholders. I was en route to the players lounge to share a post match beer with another Arsenal legend that I know personally. At that time Arsene Wenger’s new rules on alcohol pre and post match had yet to be enforced, and in those days some lucky fans and relatives of the players were able to mingle with Arsenal players and the playing opponents after the game. I recall that it had been a fairly hectic game with Arsenal having drawn, so the usual atmosphere was a little muted. Despite this there was a buzz of excitement about a new French player that was going to set Highbury on fire. Patrick, as I recall then was a shy thin tall guy in faded denims with a small rucksack thrown jauntily over one shoulder. He seemed at ease with the attention from the fans, he said very little as the club representative spoke upon his behalf. One thing that struck me was how polite and softly spoken he was. His smile was genuine and he made direct eye contact, and despite not being totally fluent in English at that time, he listened carefully to the questions and comments put to him.
That just goes to demonstrate how different a player really is off the field. This polite almost timid individual was to go on and be involved in one controversy after another during his nine season stay at the club. The use of the term legend is over used in my opinion, as is the term World Class. But by the end of his career at Arsenal. This iconic Frenchman who came from Senegal had earned both accolades in full measure. Put aside the spitting incident against Leicester, the confrontations with Roy Keane, and of course the infamous Ruud van Nistelrooy red card. Patrick Vieira was literally a giant in modern day football. He was passionate and skilful, but he led by example. His trademark tackle would now be outlawed as a scissor tackle from behind. But this tackle was so skilfully executed with immaculate timing, that I cannot recall anyone falling victim to losing possession of the ball in midfield in this way, ever ending up being injured. He certainly never broke anyone’s leg in this manner. Patrick Vieira was unique, he was no Tony Adams, he was Paddy. His mantle will often be copied but never replicated.
In my opinion, Patrick Vieira’s finest moments were during the Invincibles Season, the goal against Spurs at White Hart Lane after three minutes and his celebration typified the enjoyment he got from from stuffing the spuds. As with every decent Arsenal legend before him, he hated Spurs and Man U and thus became a firm favourite in fans hearts. Although troubled by recurrent knee injuries, Patrick Vieira never failed the Arsenal faithful with his determination to give of his best. His definition of loyalty would put many modern day players to shame. Yes when he was captain he was linked with moves away to Real Madrid for what seemed season after season. Yes he complained about the lack of injection of decent players into the squad, and yes the Sir Peter Hill-Wood media gaffes were an insult to his proud demeanour, but he never ever betrayed the fans of the club or management of the club. Patrick gave 110% on and off the field for Arsenal. He was the engine in the dressing room, and led by example on the training ground. He had a big heart and an even bigger smile. He was a true leader in red and white. I feel honoured to have had the good fortune to have seen him enter the club, and I was there at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff as he kicked the ball for the last time in an Arsenal shirt from the penalty spot to win our last trophy, the FA cup. I salute you Patrick now that you have retired from the game. I wish you well in your coaching career and I will never forget the moments that you made Arsenal proud.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
