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Official: Patrick Vieira is the new Crystal Palace manager

Patrick Vieira
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Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has returned to the Premier League by taking charge of Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace have announced Patrick Vieira as Roy Hodgson’s replacement as manager.

The Arsenal legend has signed a three-year contract until 2024 at Selhurst Park. He had been without a job since leaving Nice in December 2020 after two-and-a-half years at the Ligue 1 club.

Vieira, who also coached New York City FC in the MLS between 2016 and 2018, emerged as the favorite to take charge at Palace last week upon reaching a verbal agreement with the club.

“I am really excited to have this opportunity to return to the Premier League, and manage this great football club, as we begin a new chapter together,” Vieira told the club’s website.

“It is a project that is really appealing to me, having spoken a lot with the chairman and sporting director about their ambition and plans for the whole club, including the academy.

“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.”

“I am also very excited to experience the atmosphere the club’s supporters make at Selhurst Park and away from home too, and I know just how important that can be for the team.”

Vieira will begin life as Palace manager on Monday when the squad returns for pre-season training.

The Frenchman returns to England hoping to emulate his previous success at Arsenal. Under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, he became a critical component of the Gunners midfield and won 10 trophies, including three Premier League titles.

Vieira even famously captained the ‘Invincibles’ squad to unbeaten success in the 2003/04 league campaign.

He also won three Serie A titles at Inter Milan, an FA Cup with Manchester City, and a World Cup and European title with France before hanging up his boots in 2011.

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