Patrick Vieira has revealed a secret passion for one of the world’s most  popular team sports where top stars can earn even more money than their  Premier League counterparts.

Indeed, Manchester City’s former French international reckons the Blues could field a  decent side of their own.

Vieira is an avid basketball fan, attending one of last year’s NBA final  matches between champions LA Lakers and Boston Celtics.

And he’s surprised the sport isn’t as popular in the UK than on mainland  Europe and other parts of the world.

“Growing up in France I took an interest in basketball.  I watched French  players in the NBA and so I fell in love with the game,” Vieira told MEN  Sport in an exclusive interview.

“I don’t know why in England basketball is not more popular. England is a country of sport and I still believe there is a place for the  game over here.”

And if the former Arsenal midfielder is still with the Blues next season,  he’ll be trying to get a ticket for the visit of the US Olympic team who play Great Britain at the MEN Arena.

Indeed, British fans have a chance to see one of the best women’s NBA sides  next weekend when Atlanta Dream take on GB at the same venue.



And Vieira sees similarities between his own first and second sporting  preferences.

“Basketball is popular with a lot of kids,” he said. “It is like football,  it isn’t expensive to play.

“It is open to everyone, you only need one ball and it is a way to keep you  out of trouble or difficulty.

“And it is a game where you play with your heart – like football.

“I went to the NBA finals last year. It was my first live game and I really  enjoyed the unbelievable atmosphere.

“If I had a chance I’d love to go again, maybe to watch Miami.”

The Heat are  currently involved in the Eastern Conference play-offs. Vieira says he’s not the only hoops enthusiast at the club.

“Vincent Kompany  really likes basketball and Micah Richards, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joeleon  Lescott and Shay Given all have their own team.

“I think we could have our own three-on-three game. And I’d certainly choose  Micah on my team.

“He has so much strength and is very good on rebounds.”

So, there could be a few familiar faces in the crowd on May 29 when Atlanta  take on the Standard Life GB team.

The WNBA is the most successful and oldest women’s professional sports league in the world, and this is the first time a team has competed outside the USA.

Fans purchasing tickets for the WNBA event on May 29  will receive the first  opportunity to buy what tickets for the USA Basketball v GB games next year.

Tickets are priced at £20 and £35, with courtside seats available at £50 and  £70.

They are available online from men-arena.com and ticketmaster.co.uk or via phone at 0844 847 8000. Tweet