| Patrick Vieira | |||
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Born: Dakar,Senegal, 23 June 1976. Position: Midfield Height: 192 cm Weight: 83 kg Previous Clubs: Cannes & AC Milan Joined Arsenal: 14 Aug 1996 for �4m. First Appearance: League Vs Sheffield Wednesday (h) 16 Sep 1996. Awesome powerhouse of a player, whose ball-winning and passing skills help bind the Gunners' midfield together. Vieira was the Carlsberg 'Player of the Year' for 2001-02 and, though he was snubbed for the PFA poll, you won't find many people, players or fans, to disagree with the award. French World Cup winner Vieira was born in Dakar, Senegal, but moved to his adopted country at a young age. He signed for First Division side Cannes in 1993, before a dream move to AC Milan. Played only two league games for AC Milan before the incoming Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, caused many a frown when making the elegant midfielder his first signing in August 1996, paying �4million for a player who had made only two appearances for the Italian Serie A giants - and what an inspired signing it proved to be as he helped the Gunners to the 1997/98 League and Cup double. Has had problems with discipline but since being sent off in the first two league matches of the 00/01 season, he has altered his game without losing the physical edge. Card-happy referees please take note. As well as being a fluent,creative ball player, the tall Frenchman relishes the physical side of the English game, but frequent run-ins with officialdom, have brought infamy as well as success in his time at Highbury.A vital cog in The Gunners'midfield engine, Vieira's aerial prowess is effective in both penalty areas,and he also chips in with the occasional goal.Vieira's no-nonsense performances in Arsenal's double-winning side of 1997/98, led to a World Cup call-up for France 98 and a subsequent winner's medal to cap a memorable season.He was also part of the France squad that won Euro 2000. Tipped to take over as Gunners captain when Adams quits. That is, assuming he stays at Highbury. Seemingly disillusioned with the club's ambitions following the sale of Petit and Overmars in 2001, the Frenchman has started to talk of life away from Highbury. The big Italian clubs have been joined in the hunt for Vieira's signature by Manchester United, it's been reported. It is an indication of his worth that his biggest opponents value him so highly. Extra Information: Patrick came on as substitute for the French team that beat Brazil 3-0 in the World Cup Final. he was the youngest captain in the French first division when he skippered Cannes at the age of 18. |
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