Former Hale End star says Patrick Vieira did something not a lot of managers do and it ‘helped him a lot’

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Arsenal fans are enjoying keeping track of the managerial careers of former players.

Cesc Fabregas was wanted by Inter Milan after his impressive season in Italy with Como FC but the Spaniard is set to stay with Serie A surprise package.

Former midfield partners Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere had interim spells in the Championship towards the end of the season with Cardiff and Norwich respectively.

Arsenal fans want Santi Cazorla to replace Carlos Cuesta as Mikel Arteta’s new assistant manager and one former Hale End star has given an honest verdict on club legend Patrick Vieira in his role as Genoa manager.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano reveals final Thomas Partey contract decision after recent Arsenal talks

Brooke Norton-Cuffy reveals Patrick Vieira guidance at Genoa

As per the Athletic, former Arsenal youngster Brooke Norton-Cuffy has been discussing the guidance and support he has received from Vieira during his time at Genoa.

Norton-Cuffy is currently impressing for England’s U21 side alongside Ethan Nwaneri as Lee Carsley’s side prepare to face Holland in the European Championship semi-final.

After a frustrating season with injury, Norton-Cuffy has revealed how Vieira was always offering advice on how to improve and is available to converse with his players – something not all managers offer.

Norton-Cuffy stated: “There have been times where I wasn’t playing or had injuries and he’s helped me a lot. He’s made sure that I kept my head and improve even when I wasn’t playing.

I asked to have a conversation with him. With some managers, you can’t but he was more than happy to have a chat. He told me what I need to work on, to stay patient, that he thinks I’m a good player and I’ll get my chance. He kept to that and when I did get my chance, I took it.”

Brooke Norton-Cuffy reveals what happened the first time he met Patrick Vieira

Being part of the academy set-up at the Gunners, Vieira would have been an icon to Norton-Cuffy growing up and the young right back has recalled the first time he met the Arsenal legend in Italy.

Norton-Cuffy explained: “My first conversation with him was in a team meeting. We had a new manager and everyone knew who it was, but he’s come in, shaking everyone’s hands. I hadn’t met him before but he stopped at me and he’s gone, ‘you alright Brooke? I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.”

Muscular injuries hampered his initial start to life in Italy, however, recent performances for the England U21 side have shown he is back to his best and ready to impress once again next season.

With incredible physical attributes of pace and power, if the 21-year-old can just refine his final ball, he could become one of Europe’s hottest prospects in years to come.