Vieira: City move was “risky”

(GSM) – Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira says he took a ‘risk’ in returning to England to play at Manchester City. The experienced Frenchman established himself as one of the best players in the world during a nine-year stay at Arsenal.

And having won everything at Arsenal, Vieira knows that he has is risking his reputation with a move back to England. However, Vieira had to make the move in order to keep his World Cup dreams alive.

With many speaking about Vieira’s advancing years and their possible negative impact on his game, the 33 year-old admits he was wary of returning as he is not the same player who graced the football pitches during his time at Arsenal.

“Shortly after Roberto Mancini took the reins at Manchester City we were in contact,” Vieira told L’Equipe.

“He knows me well. He asked me about my situation in Milan and my intentions. I told him I would be leaving in order to find first-team football and to keep my World Cup dream alive.

“He was attracted by the possibility of signing me, as I have considerable experience in the Premier League.

“But when you have spent so much time at a club like Arsenal and you were lucky to win everything and play some of the best football of that time, there is obviously a risk in coming back to England and putting your reputation on the line.

“Today I am not the same player I used to be at Arsenal. But to me it was an easy decision to come back to England.

“Today I won’t attack as much as I used to. Rather than making 10 box-to-box runs in a match I will only make five. But my experience allows me to make those runs at the best times. I use my mind more now.

“I have lost some pace, but I was not a marathon runner at 20 so I won’t become one at 33!”