This archive report was first published on 5 July 2021.
Published on July 5, 2021, Crystal Palace has appointed legendary star Patrick Vieira as its new manager.
Former Arsenal captain Vieira succeeds Roy Hodgson, who stepped down at the end of the 2020/21 season after four years at the helm.
Under a three-year contract, Vieira will lead the Eagles until 2024.
Speaking to the club's official website, Vieira expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, 'I am really excited to have this opportunity to return to the Premier League. It is a project that is really appealing to me, having spoken a lot with the chairman [Steve Parish] and sporting director [Dougie Freedman] about their ambition and plans for the whole club, including the academy.'
He added, 'The club has fantastic foundations in place after many years in the Premier League, and I hope we can make further improvements and continue to drive the club forward.'
Before joining Crystal Palace, Vieira was out of work since being sacked by French club Nice last December following a poor run of results.
He started his managerial career at New York City FC, where he spent two-and-a-half years between 2016-2018.
As a player, Vieira claimed seven major honours in his nine-year career at Arsenal between 1996 and 2005.
He was part of the Arsenal 'Invincibles' when they went unbeaten for the entire 2003-04 Premier League season.
The World Cup and European Championship winner with France also won three Serie A titles with Inter Milan.
He joined Manchester City in January 2010 and helped the club to lift the FA Cup the following year before announcing his retirement from playing.
