By Tony Attwood
Patrick Vieira has retired from playing football and has become the latest ex-Arsenal player to join the managerial and coaching level of football. He has been given a newly-created role at Manchester C. of football development executive. It seems to be a job to do with the development of young players, working on the club’s social responsibility programme and commercial activities. And other things.
In an interesting twist Patrick will report to another ex-Arsenal man, Manchester C’s chief football operations officer Brian Marwood.
Brian Marwood said of Patrick that, “His experience in the world of football is virtually unparalleled and he will be a huge asset to our club as old and young alike benefit from his knowledge. His contribution to world football during his time as a player was extraordinary and he will be remembered as one of the greatest players to grace the Premier League.
“Whilst it is sad to see Patrick’s playing career come to an end, we are delighted that he has chosen to extend his time with Manchester City in this new capacity. Wherever he goes he commands the respect of his audience and we believe he will make an invaluable contribution to our club as we build on our recent successes.”
Patrick said, “I am particularly pleased to be given the opportunity to work with the club’s community scheme. Manchester City has a great reputation for its commitment to its community and charity partners and I believe I can help to take that message to an even greater audience.
“Everyone at Manchester City – the fans, the staff and the players – have made me and my family feel very welcome here over the past two years and I am very happy to have been given the chance to stay and develop my career away from the pitch.”
Since leaving Arsenal Patrick has been with Juventus who were found guilty of match fixing and he had the title he won with the club removed, before going on to Inter, who are now under investigation for the same offence.
The full list of ex-Arsenal players now working in management in other clubs has now reached 14.
- Dennis Bergkamp
- Remi Garde
- Tony Adams
- Martin Hayes
- Brian McDermott
- Vladimir Petrovic
- Pat Scully
- Paul Dickov
- Brian Marwood
- John Jensen
- Ian Allinson
- Niall Quinn
- Marc Overmars
- Patrick Vieira