Football has changed a lot compared to the ’90s.
Back in the day, teams like Arsenal and most other clubs were incredibly physical, and players used to come out of games with multiple bruises.
Even training sessions were a war back then, so much so that there would be fights between teammates every other week.
One such incident occurred over two decades ago between David Seaman and Patrick Vieira.
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David Seaman explains why he got into a fight with Patrick Vieira at Arsenal
Vieira has got to be one of the scariest players in the Premier League.
The Frenchman joined Arsenal when he was just 20 years old, and despite his young age, he showed no fear.
Vieira went hard with his tackles and wasn’t afraid to physically dominate even the biggest of his opponents during games.
That mentality was the same in the training ground as well, and after a few altercations with Seaman, a fight broke out between the two players.
The legendary goalkeeper said about Vieira on Sky Sports: “He got on the wrong side of me once. We played an 8 v 8, and every time the ball would come in for me and I would go and claim it, he would always come in and nudge me or elbow me, and I got wound up.
“I took this cross and next thing, I felt Patrick’s elbow right on the side of my head. I just totally lost it.
“I got the ball, and I got Patrick’s head, and I landed with it, and I drew back to punch him because I was fuming because he hit me in the side of my temple.
“Instead of punching him, I just turned it into a flat fist and banged him on his head. He wouldn’t speak to me for two weeks.”
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Patrick Vieira and David Seaman became good friends after their fight at Arsenal
Not many people would’ve dared to confront Vieira, let alone hit him on his head.
But Seaman was one of a kind, and even though the incident stopped all conversations between the pair for a couple of weeks, they became great friends later on.
In fact, in 2003, Vieira publicly claimed that he was sad to see Seaman leave the club and even branded him as the best goalkeeper in Arsenal’s history.
The legendary Gunners’ captain said: “I am sad that David has decided to leave Arsenal. He’s a really great guy and a fantastic goalkeeper – the best we have ever had. David wanted a new challenge, so I can understand why he has gone, but he will never be forgotten at Arsenal.
“He has done so much for the club, and his record speaks for itself. He is a good friend, and I am really grateful for all the help he has given me, especially in my first year as club captain. He will be missed by all the players.”
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