It is the end of a great career: Patrick Viera has decided that 18 years spent largely on top of the game are enough. He will remain at Manchester City, his last team, in the role of football development executive.
He has now reached 35 years old and even if the best years were behind him when he moved to Etihad Stadium, the fans have loved him for the passion and application to the cause. He will be remembered as one of the best midfielders to have played in Premier League: when he was at Arsenal he was sensational and it is not a coincidence that the last trophy won by the Gunners was during last season.
Roberto Mancini knew that Patrick Viera was closed to retire, but he wanted to bring him in the team as he still have very strong leadership skills that are so important for a team that wants to mature to be one of the best. The Senegal-born star has an incredible 'winning's mentality' that was very easy to identify even at the beginning of his career. Mancini knows very well the difference يلا شوت that Viera can make: the italian tactician worked with Viera for three success-filled campaigns at Inter and when he signed him the French international had already won seven league titles, four FA Cups in addition to a World Cup, European Championship and Confederation Cup.
He didn't play much in this season, only started 12 Premier League matches in 18 months, but he did help also outside the pitch to inject the winning mentality: this has resulted in a fifth FA Cup triumph. Mancini did say that Viera was very committed in training and he wants to keep him as he will be a major asset to the club even after the end of his footballer career.
After the announcement that his playing contract wouldn't be renewed, Roberto Mancini was very quick to offer him a managerial job. The reaction of the fans was very positive and they showed delight that he will stick around. From the job profile it looks like that he won't have much involvement in the first team, who are priced 5.20 to with the Premier League. He will take active role in developing youngsters at Platt Lane complex, as a mentor.
Roberto Mancini has had a very busy summer as in addition to Patrick Viera as also Carlos Tevez is set to leave the club. Tevez wanted to leave to get closer to his family however Corinthians transfer proved to be difficult as the Brazilian club didn't had funds to pay for the Argentinean. Tevez has always been a problem for Roberto Mancini but he still won't be necessarily happy to sell his captain.