Getting to know Vieira

Skysports.com's James Dall interviews and trains with Patrick Vieira

Last updated: 3rd October 2008

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I'm in Milan and I'm slaloming through cones the colours of traffic lights, predominately using my right foot. The ball is under my control, and, as I gaze forward,15 yards away stands Inter Milan and France midfielder Patrick Vieira. His body language invites my pass. I fizz the ball into his feet, and he returns first-time. I adjust my torso shape to strike at goal, with gritted teeth I wind up to shoot...

But I am getting ahead of myself. Let me rewind roughly 10 hours. It's 4.40am and I am awoken from a largely disjointed slumber by the high shrill of an unfamiliar telephone. Out-of-sorts, I reach for the receiver as a monotonous voice reminds me of the wake-up call I requested on my arrival. An eye-lid wrinkles open, revealing the indigo of the early-morning sky. Velvety and rich, it is contradictory against the surroundings of my austere room. It is time to get up.

The combination of adrenaline and fatigue allows me to recall the following events in vivid, flashing images: Coach transfer. Rummage for passport. Check-in. Order Earl Grey tea and berry-based muffin. Yawn and stretch. Meet Will from Ford's feelfootball.com. Board plane. Buckle-up. Finish a chapter of 'Middlesex'. Take off. There is laughing from a couple in the seats behind. "Tea or Coffee, sir?" A fragmented nap ensues. Turbulence. Nervous laughter from behind. Ears popping. Touchdown.

Warm foreign air wraps around my face as we disembark. A taxi driver with thick caramel-coloured glasses takes us from Milan Malpensa airport to Sportland - the venue of the day's event. The site is vast and boasts indoor and outdoor pitches in impressive condition. We are based on the AstroTurf encompassed in a chalky-white shell similar to a golf ball. The texture of the playing surface resembles a green. We move through to the reception area where picture frames of stars hang from stippled walls.

The faces of Kaka and Gennaro Gattuso catch my eye. Standing inside the facilities, their stills represent their endorsement for its ethos. There are numerous stars looking down at me, including the unmistakable physique of Vieira. The 32-year-old is not due to arrive for a while, but already his presence is felt. He will endure a saturated day of press: face-to-face, telephone and television interviews in three different languages. I have the former scheduled at 3.20pm. It will be a one-on-one 10-minute slot with the Arsenal legend.

My arranged dialogue with PV would not, however, be the conclusion to my time in his company. The day centred around a training session, which would take place straight after. Competition winners would participate with Vieira, and so would I. It promised to be a potpourri of emotions. The proposed sequence of events would be alien: to adopt my journalistic carriage and conduct an interview, before briskly switching off my Dictaphone (tucking it away ever so safely) and beginning a warm-up, waiting for Patrick to intervene.

But before the specifics of the aforementioned occasions, an interlude, if you will. Let me refresh your memory of Vieira's achievements and events leading to his prominence. Senegalese-born, the towering enforcer started out at AS Cannes before heading to his current side's fiercest rivals, AC Milan. In 1996, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger brought him to North London. It would be in the red and white that Vieira would earn a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world.

He lifted three Premier League titles and four FA Cup trophies under Wenger, during which time international glory was also manifested. Vieira played a role in France's not-so-distant dominance when in 1998 they claimed the World Cup and two years later the European Championship. In 2005, he brought an end to his career with the Gunners and headed back to Italy. A season with Juventus was followed by a transfer to Inter Milan - where he has already won two Serie A titles. He is now under the management of Jose Mourinho.

Interlude over, and I am handed a royal blue training strip by the people from Ford's feelfootball.com. I quickly change from my smarter attire as Patrick emerges. There is a simmering of excitement from the arriving participants: they have spotted their hero. From a distance, he moves with elongated strides, accompanied by his agent. Meanwhile, I thumb through my pre-prepared questions and double check the battery life on my Dictaphone. An Italian reporter is up first, whilst I wait in the wings. Before long, I am introduced to the star of this piece. He shakes my hand before, as part of his duties for the event, completing some signatures. "Ready?" I ask. "Yes," he replies.

We discuss several topics, including Wenger's war of words with Uefa president Michel Platini, France's recent troubles under Raymond Domenech, how Wenger's management style compares with Mourinho's, his thoughts on the Champions League, whether he will pursue a career in management, and Arsenal's shock loss to Hull City. Of his former club's defeat, he said: "When they lost at home to Hull it is really difficult. I don't believe that Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool will lose points against Hull. I really believe that one or two more experienced players at Arsenal would be great. I think that is what they miss. But they do have the quality. In one game they can beat anyone, however one game and the whole season is something different."

(Skysports.com will continue to drip-feed you the stories over the coming weeks, so keep a beady eye out). Interview over and I thank him for his time before pacing over to the players dressed the same as me. It immediately dawns on this Englishman that his Italian is more than limited. I am embarrassed at my lack of refinement as the group I am placed with coherently asks me questions in my native tongue. Your scribe slurs mainly Spanish words with a green-white-and-red accent. It is cringe-worthy, but I am enjoying myself.

A warm-up commences, with the coaches politely doing their utmost to ensure I understand. It is not long before Vieira drifts over. He meets with the players, who excitedly pat his back and grasp his extended hand. We begin a drill and Patrick looks on. His observation adds weighty pressure to our touches as we dribble through the placed cones. The standard is decent, and all of a sudden I feel an added anxiety. My subconscious has somehow convinced my conscious that I am representing England. I am the benchmark of the country's talent, exposed for all to see.

With that unwanted self-indulgence on my shoulders, the session continues. Next is a shooting drill, which brings us back to the first paragraph of the article. My teeth are gritted, and I am focused on firing across goal. My mind visualises my moment of glory. *Thud* as I strike through the ball. The sprawled shot-stopper is beat, but the silvery globe cannons off the woodwork, and out. This would be the closest I would come to scoring throughout that specific drill, for the goalkeeper turns out to be a Dino Zoff in the making.

Vieira gets involved in a crossing exercise and a match. His face illuminates with a grin from ear to ear when the younger, more gifted, footballers demonstrate a flash of skill. It winds down and everyone is overjoyed but bushed. Vieira concludes the event with a speech to the players. I head off to change back into my regular clothes, stashing the now-cherished kit into my bag. A flight back to London awaits me. It has been a splendid day.

Ford's Feel Football programme engages fans debate with Champions like Jose Mourinho, Anders Frisk, Patrick Vieira, Stefan Effenberg and Ruud Gullit online at www.FeelFootball.com and at live events around Europe.

Comments

Steve Hull (Arsenal fan) says...

What can i say that hasn't already been said? I think the fact that we have Man Utd and Chelski fans bigging him up as one of the greatest EVER Premiership players says it all. He truly is a LEGEND and in my opinion, the best player Arsenal have had in the last couple of decades. And yes, that is taking into account your Wrighty's, Bergkamp's, Thierry's etc. I love them all, but no single player has ever had such an impact on a team. Likewise, we have never missed a player as much as Paddy. PLEASE COME BACK, WE NEED YOU!!!!!!

Posted 14:37 10th October 2008

Henry Jazire (Arsenal fan) says...

I have a 2year old son and our arsenal shirts are number 4 but bears the name of vieira - no disrespect to fabregas but vieira was immense for us. we were in the big two bracket not big four when he was around. our decline started when we sold him - we could have done without other players but selling vieira was a big mistake - effects are still felt today.

Posted 04:16 9th October 2008

Chris Johnson (Arsenal fan) says...

Vieira was immense for us, and guided Wenger's teams to several trophies, Gilberto done ok standing in for him after. But no one will ever have so much presence in a game like he did. Cesc Fab is a completely different player and one of the best midfielders in the world yet we still looking for a Vieira replacement!!.. its just an impossible task, tells u how good he was.

Posted 10:36 8th October 2008

Shem Frank (Arsenal fan) says...

I will always respect patrick Veria no matter what your a legend

Posted 15:15 7th October 2008

Amit Sharma (Manchester United fan) says...

Absolutely fantastic player. Great engine, ability to inspire those around him and lead by example! I love the battles he had with Keano during Man Utd-Arsenal games. Since they have both been out of these fixtures those games haven't been the same!

Posted 22:44 5th October 2008

John Ola (Arsenal fan) says...

Viera epitomises the complete midfielder. He is an Arsenal legend, that will never change! I remembered when Roberto Pires uncharacteristically tackled him and won the ball, which led to us trouncing Inter Milan that day. Many thought he was finished, but look at him again under Jose, I am quite sure Jose would be grateful for having both Viera & Flamini in his team because Flamini was beginning to turn into the new Viera. I would like see Viera become a manager, just like Roy Keane. If he can inject his leadership and ability into his team, they would be hard to beat!

Posted 21:19 5th October 2008

Alwyn Mc combe (Arsenal fan) says...

Patrick Vieira is the most complete player l have ever physically seen play for Arsenal. When he came on as a sub back in 1996 for his debut v Sheff Wed l thought crikey what have we got here. By the end of the season you could see he was going to be something very special to The Arsenal. Big Paddy gave us 9 wonderful years & its always a delight when a player of his stature leaves that you truly wish them every success at their new club & thank them for making your life that little bit happier. How fitting his last game should be to score the winning penalty against Man Utd in the F.A. Cup Final...we've won nowt since he left, coincidental..possibly...Patrick THE GREAT Vieira thank you!!

Posted 17:19 5th October 2008

Joe Costello (Queen Of The South fan) says...

He is still playing great football. yesterday saw him play his 7th game in a row, something which has not been done for two years due to injuries but if fit I think Inter could be a real handful for anyone in the Champions league.

Posted 11:25 5th October 2008

Djay De strola (Arsenal fan) says...

I became a hard core fan of Arsenal because of Viera. I have loved the club ever. The players need to start fighting again like in the days of Viera, Henry, Pires etc. The team needs a driver like Flamini again, it will take Nasri and Vela two seasons to play like Hleb. Arsene Wenger cannot win the league this season. Every season he goes back two seasons by letting go experienced & vital members of the team. So many of them were worth keeping at all cost. I can bet Arsenal won't play a draw with Man U, Chealsea & Liverpool (home and away).

Posted 10:03 5th October 2008

Nick Hall (Manchester United fan) says...

Man United fan here. Well written article that caught my attention after a late night shift! Vieira is one of the best players to grace the premier league since its creation an one of the best valued signings Arsenal have made. Whilst as a United fan Keane is always the holding man I'd think of along with Milans Gattuso and Pirlo, Vieira was always one of those players, like an earlier comment suggested, would have liked to see play alongside Keane just once. Not more, because well, Scholes is best midfielder an unsung hero till recent years but has been doin for club an formerly country. Anyways again great article an shame that other United fans haven't appreciated the talents of what was an still is a quality player an a former world cup winner. No champions league medal tho... ;)

Posted 06:13 5th October 2008

Mick Scott (Manchester United fan) says...

I have to say I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Sunderland made a brave bid for Patrick Viera come Xmas. I think Keane privately would scretley be delighted to sign his former rival. Keane misses players like Viere who are hardly going to complain about the shopping centres in Sunderland! I think Keane knows Viera would make the choice independently of hir mrs unlike some players!!!

Posted 21:37 4th October 2008

Ronnie Mutaka (Arsenal fan) says...

Article was simply brilliant. Patrick, you were a true legend and for all your midfield elegance and poise, it will will take some special talent to excite the Emirate faithful when it comes to giving 100% in the engine room! You always made my weekends.

Posted 19:19 4th October 2008

Phylon Dube (Arsenal fan) says...

True LEGEND. Looks and sounds a 'nice guy' even though have not spoken to him. ASK ROY KEANE.

Posted 14:39 4th October 2008

Stephen Conroy (Sunderland fan) says...

Could anyone imagine if Vierra and Keane were played together in the same midfield on the same side? It would have been the greatest partnership since tea and biscuits!

Posted 13:23 4th October 2008

Marc Haarburger (Arsenal fan) says...

well the best arsenal player of the last 15 yrs!!!! since he has left we have not won anything!!! i loved watching him make those tackles and bursts through the midfield!!

Posted 12:53 4th October 2008

Paul Lewis (Arsenal fan) says...

He was the heartbeat of the side and has never been replaced. I really hoped we'd have brought him back to be the experienced player we need. Hope one day he is on the touchline as our manager. Been a fan of The Arsenal or 35 years and Vieira is, in my opinion, our best ever player.

Posted 12:36 4th October 2008

Nawaz Bagha (Arsenal fan) says...

Many people say that it was Henry-Pires combo that got Arsenal to win the Unbeaten Season... but the truth is that Vieira was the wall behind those two. He scored some really good goals too... Finishing off the season with a goal against Portsmouth.. And yeah, the last time the Gunners won a title was when Vieira was in the team... FA cup final against Man U... Since he left, the trophy cabinet has become dry... I'd give an ear and a half to have Vieira back in the team....

Posted 12:13 4th October 2008

Emmanuel Charles (Arsenal fan) says...

Vieira is one of the greatest player that arsenal have ever produced.I will like Vieira to be back in arsenal.

Posted 10:58 4th October 2008

Ed Baidoo (Arsenal fan) says...

The captain must come back home....We haven't really had a captain since Viera left.....VIEEEEEERA O OOOH

Posted 10:06 4th October 2008

Bombay Blues (Chelsea fan) says...

Patrick Viera ...what a player...... During the later stages of the 90's and starting of this decade, i don't think there were better midfielders than Viera and Roy keane... they are kind of guys legends are made off....... Viera's poise and elegance to the gritty, in your face Keane... what battles.. I would pay money even today to watch the two of them battle it out even for 5 minutes.... Patrick Viera.... u deserve respect even from a chelsea fan

Posted 10:01 4th October 2008

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