Vieira denies Zidane split

Patrick Vieira has been forced to deny rumours that Arsenal's French players fell out with playmaker Zinedine Zidane during Euro 2004.

A whispering campaign in France had hinted that the likes of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Vieira squabbled with the Real Madrid star in Portugal.

The Gunners captain insists he wants the midfield genius to continue representing Les Bleus after top scoring for his country during the tournament.

"Everyone loves 'Zizou'," Vieira told L'Equipe. "He is the star of the French team.

"Moreover, he is the friendliest and closest man I know. This rumour is scandalous.

"You can't find a player, even from Arsenal, to say or think those kind of things.

"It deserves public apologies.

"The relationship between 'Zizou' and us is very good because it is sane.

"It would be a big loss if 'Zizou' stops his international career.

"With all my heart, I wish that he goes on. 'Zizou' is 'Zizou'. The players know what he can bring.

"He is part of the generation that has won everything, because they are winners.

"And the French team needs their key players - 'Zizou' of course, Lilian Thuram too as he is so important in defence."