VIEIRA IN GUNNERS TALKS
Vieira, whose Arsenal side has suffered from an indifferent season by their own standards, finishing as runners-up in both the FA Cup and Premiership, has been the subject of mounting interest from some of Italy and Spain's top clubs.
Indeed, reports from Italy have suggested that the powerful midfielder is the main target of clubs such as Milan, Juventus and Internazionale.
However, the Frenchman has told L'Equipe that he is talking about a lucrative new deal with the Arsenal hierarchy, and that he has already made up his mind about his future - although he does not reveal explicitly what that decision is.
"At the moment I am in negotiation with Arsenal over the decision to stay or to leave," said the French international. "But everything is clear in my mind."
Vieira has been outspoken about the decision to sell Marc Overmars and Emmanuel Petit to Barcelona last summer, and reiterated that the damage it had done was unfortunate.
"I can only say that when we have a great team we cannot sell our best players - players like Overmars and Petit," admitted Vieira.
"The cup final against Liverpool was a microcosm of our season. During the whole campaign we have lost key matches, because we couldn't deal with the key moments.
"We were really disappointing in the championships despite a bad start. In the Champions League quarter final against Valencia we could really have achieved something₻
"Although I try not to live in the past, I can tell you that the 1998 Arsenal team was extraordinary because we had players with strong characters who make the difference."
Vieira has acquired something of an unsavoury reputation at times during his stint in English football - earning two red cards in the first two games of this campaign, but it is still an incident with Neil Ruddock two seasons ago that he is most embarrassed about.
"I can admit to you that I blame myself for the things that have happened. I have regretted a lot and I still regret my altercation with Ruddock. I spat in his face and that is not me.
"What embarrassed me most was not the fine or the two-month ban - it was that people who did not know me judged me from that one moment. It was base and nasty," added Vieira, who has emerged as a key figure for the vastly successful French national side.
"There is some racism in England, but that would be too easy an excuse. The truth is that I am like that, completely focused on the match, with an absolute desire to do the best for my team. To win.
"But I still would not do this at any cost. I could not attempt a tackle that would end somebody's career. When I am sent off it is always because of a reaction to violence, intimidation or provocation."
Vieira also talked about the massive honour that the Arsenal captaincy would bestow on him, but admitted he would be a leader by example rather than talking.
"If I was to become Arsenal captain then I would assume the responsibility - which would be a great honour.
"To be a true leader, I do not talk enough. I would not talk in the dressing room before the match, at the moment that does not appeal to me.
"Instead I will act like a captain, I would try to set an example."
Finally, the midfield star admitted that he is not enamoured by the idea of playing the confederations cup for France.
"The thought of it doesn't necessarily make me happy!" Vieira admitted. "It would be hypocritical of me to say otherwise.
"But as I am forced to go then it is better to enter it with a positive state of mind."
