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Arriving in Nice in the middle of the morning, Patrick Vieira has officially signed his contract. The former French national team’s captain (41 years old), until now coach of New York City FC, will follow in Lucien Favre’s footsteps. He will return to L1 as coach of the Aiglons, almost 23 years after leaving it as a player.  

In the words of its President, Jean-Pierre Rivère, OGC Nice were looking for “a coach with the ability to continue to produce attractive football, to bring through youngsters by taking risks to help them grow, and someone who lives and breathes to win.” This coach is called Patrick Vieira. A huge figure in French football, World and European Champion with the Bleus, Vieira attracted the selection panel with his background, dynamic nature, charisma and a philosophy that is fully inline with the Red and Blacks’ projects. 

After bringing an excellent career to an end with Manchester City in 2011, the “box to box midfielder”, formerly of Milan, Arsenal, Juve and Inter and Champion of England and Italy on multiple occasions*, quickly turned towards coaching. But not before a role as Ambassador and in Head of Development for the Citizens.

Step by step, the former France captain (107 caps, 6 goals) began his coaching career by managing the City youngsters in 2013 (U19 in the Youth League and U21), before plying his trade on the other side of the Atlantic in the MLS (the fast developing American League ). As Head Coach of New York City FC – who have the same owner as Man City – he quickly found results. On two occasions, his side finished 2nd in the East Conference in 2016 and 2017 with players like Andrea Pirlo and David Villa in his team. He leaves his side in a strong position in the league (2nd in the East Conference) after 15 games and his last match against Atlanta United (1-1) on Saturday evening.

He now prepares for his first challenge, back at home, in Nice, just a few kilometers away from Cannes, where he made his debut in L1 in 1993.

Arriving on Monday morning, Patrick Vieira was shown the club’s training complex before signing his contract alongside Jean-Pierre Rivère. He will be presented to the press this afternoon at 3pm. 

*Amongst his notable titles: World Cup winner (1998) and European championship (2000) with the Bleus ; Premier League (1998, 2002, 2004) with Arsenal; Série A (1996 with Milan then 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 with Inter)…

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