I should have gone to Madrid – Vieira

(GSM) – Patrick Vieira says he regrets having snubbed a possible move to Real Madrid after quitting Arsenal. Vieira left Arsenal for Juventus and then joined Inter Milan before moving back to the Premier League with a surprise loan deal which took him to Eastlands.

“It was complicated at Madrid,” Vieira said in the Daily Mirror. “I was suspicious. The lack of recognition for (Claude) Makelele over there scared me.

“I was scared it would happen to me. But I should have gone there. Today I don’t regret the career that I have had but if I could have changed one thing, it would be that. To go to Madrid.”

Meanwhile, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger maintains that Vieira’s move to Manchester City would do well to preserve the midfielder’s legendary status at Arsenal

“I always had a chat with Patrick when he was available again,” said Wenger.

“Arsenal was massive for him, but it was also important for him to play when he came back to England.

“In the end, I was not involved at all when he went to Manchester City. The signing was very quick.”

Wenger added: “Of course I am always interested in Patrick, for me he was a special player here. We arrived here together and I respect hugely what he has done.

“He was a massive success with Arsenal, is a legend here and will always remain so. Maybe it is better like that.”