One iconic former Arsenal midfielder has now lost his job in charge of another club and looks to be a long way from fulfilling his North London ambition.
Many former Arsenal stars are still employed by the club. Current manager Mikel Arteta used to captain the team and played in the middle of the park for the Gunners.
Academy director Per Mertesacker, sporting director Edu, and under-18s manager Jack Wilshere all also wore the famous red and white in their playing days.
Other Arsenal legends have moved into management since hanging up their boots. Thierry Henry recently impressed Arsenal fans with his skills on the training pitch, as he prepares to take charge of the France team at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira, who used to captain the Gunners, has held numerous managerial roles since ending his playing career. The Frenchman has taken charge of New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, and most recently was at the helm for Strasbourg.
Patrick Vieira a long way from Arsenal role predicted by Arsene Wenger after Strasbourg sacking
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X, Vieira and Strasbourg have now parted ways. Presumably, the 48-year-old will now be on the hunt for a new job.
However, he will not be offered the hot seat at the Emirates Stadium any time soon. Not only is Arteta set to sign a new contract with Arsenal, having impressed in the role, but Vieira simply does not boast the required pedigree or track record as a coach that is required to be considered for the position.
However, Arsene Wenger himself once felt that Vieira was destined to follow in his footsteps and take the reigns at Arsenal, as reported by talkSPORT in 2019.
Around that time, as per talkSPORT again, Vieira admitted that he was flattered by his former boss’ words, and confessed to harbouring an ambition to one day be at the helm for the Gunners.
The 107-cap former France international has had promising spells in management before. He started well at Crystal Palace, for instance, and had the Eagles playing exciting, attacking football, before their form faltered. He now needs to prove that he can oversee a more sustained period of success.
Even if Vieira never proves himself worthy of managing Arsenal, though, he will always be a beloved figure at the club.
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