Patrick Vieira hopes Sunday’s game at Bolton isn’t his final appearance for Manchester City.
The former French international, 35 next month, is out of contract this summer.
But he believes the club is destined for greatness and wants to be part of the journey.
And he urged his team-mates to ensure former club Arsenal don’t leapfrog City back into third place on the last day of the season.
“Of course I would like to stay,” he told M.E.N. Sport during a promotional shoot for next weekend’s international basketball match at the MEN Arena between WNBA stars Atlanta Dream and Great Britain’s women’s team.
“But I haven’t had any talks with the manager just yet.
“There will be plenty of time for that after the last game of the season.
“My focus is on helping City to finish third. If we can achieve that it will be a big step for the football club.”
Vieira was a last-minute substitute against Stoke in the FA Cup final but didn’t get off the bench in Tuesday’s 3-0 league win at Eastlands.
And he will be only used sparingly next season as well should he get a new deal.
However, his vast Champions League experience from his Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan days could prove invaluable when City enter unchartered territory.
Vieira certainly has no regrets at joining Roberto Mancini’s revolution from Inter Milan in January 2010.
“I never had any doubts about choosing this club,” he said.
“From the first day when I talked to the manager and the people who are running the club, they knew where they wanted to go. And it looks like they are going that way.
“So, it was a good choice to come here and I have no doubt it was the best decision for me.”
A league double over neighbours Bolton will ensure third spot behind United and Chelsea.
And Vieira agreed: “It is really an exciting end to the season.
“If we can finish third that will be fantastic.
“We know what we need to do. It’s in our own hands and a win at Bolton will be enough.”
Asked whether he had any sympathy for pushing his old boss, Arsene Wenger, into fourth, Vieira said: “That is the competition.
“It is good for us, not so good for Arsenal but important we take the opportunity.
“There is still one more game to go and we have to win. The destiny is in our hands,” he added.
Would you like Vieira to stay? Have your say.
Patrick Vieira eyes Manchester City stay
May 20, 2011
Comments
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I for one would have him again. He can play a part in the cup competitions and especially help bring youngsters into the team, for the Carling Cup for example. His European experience will help as he looks a real calming influence on the dressing room.
This is all without mentioning his influence on a certain Mario.
Keep Patrick and get the best out of a prodigious talent - no brainer for me!
It seems that he has a lot to offer the younger players, so no problem for me if he stays.
Improved a lot in the second half of the season and came up with a couple of vital goals in the FA and league cup.
If he doesn't play next season he will be a great presence to have by Mancini's side as he is someone Balo listens to other than Mancini.
Patrick is a very classy and experienced guy and he knows how to win in big games. The younger players listen to him and he has a steadying effect when he comes onto the pitch. I would like to see him finish his playing career with City and move into management.
Must admit, I had my doubts when he first signed, but he has made be eat humble pie. Great signing for the younger players, and has banged in a good few goals too.
Give him another year then a coaching role.
It's obvious Patrick is well respected by the rest of the lads. I think he's played quite well towards the end of the season and reckon he's a big influence in the dressing room. Well worth keeping for at least another year for his experience.
Definitely give him another year and get him on the UEFA coaching badges too! Obviously struggles for even 45 minutes in the PL (Birmingham away cost us two points). BUT, he is immense at coming on in European competitions in slower games. He is excellent for FA Cups when we just need a little more in midfield near the end. He can bring a whole new dimension to a PL match for fifteen minutes or so. He scores goals. His technique is still there, even if the legs aren't as fast, because the brain is. He can help organise a defence and his height is a great advantage at the back near the end of games. But more than anything else, his experience at the very top level will be absolutely invaluable next season and his link between the players and the manager is equally important because he speaks English and Italian fluently, as does David Platt. And he has played so many top top European matches against the very best opposition. His CV is immaculate. The only thing missing is a Champions League medal. But he has played in the Champions League for over a decade, reaching the latter stages of the tournament on several occasions. His impact on everyone, but especially the younger players is invaluable because he can only teach good habits and I suspect that Micah Richards in particular has benefited from this because he has listened and learned. Although he won't feature in any player of the season awards this year, in many ways, I think his role in the club is equally as important as some of the younger stars in the team. His influence on the dressing room is immense and imho giving him a new contract is an absolute no-brainer!!!
Vieira should stay, hes a great motivator in the dressing room,he knows all about winning,and also he can give a wealth of coaching to the younger ones.
Balotellli, Richards, Johnson - they need a well respected figure like Paddy Vieira to keep them on the straight and narrow.
Really like Pats attiude, so possitive there must be a role, somewhere in the City setup. For a man with his experence and he seems to have a great influence on our younger players.
I think he should be kept on in a player/coach role so his experience and temperament can be put to best use as an example to the other players around him. He can unfortunately get found out in games sometimes these days, largely because of his utter lack of pace but he has also surprised me by the way he has come up with big game performances on a good few occasions. He's articulate, driven and passionate and will probably make a great coach if that's the path he wants to choose. If so I'd be happy for him to do that with us.
Absolutely. His presence in the dressing room alone this season must have been worth several points to us. And, if people cast their minds back to the start of the season, I seem to remember him being quoted calling Micah Richards to task because of his training habits - something about last to arrive and first to leave the training ground - it seems to me that his words have had the desired effect judging by Micah's performances this season. Sometimes a player's worth should be measured, not just for what he does on the pitch, but off it as well. Patrick still has that desire to do well so I wouldn't underestimate his ability to do a job on the field occasionally.
defo keep pat at the club, i think the likes of balo,richards, johnson,all all the youngsters have learneda great deal from his experience, they look up to him, the real mark jones.
Endorse all comments, particularly those of Andrew Shaw.
Here in France, where journalists love to knock star names off their pedastals, he is revered for all the qualities mentioned and deeply respected as a gentleman.
Often hear him summarising on French TV and his tactical awareness is top class.
I know he's had he's knockers (ooh errrrr misses no gigs pun intented) but he has an influence on the team.
Strong head on strong shoulders = invaluable asset. Been there, done it. And....he'll always have a place in my heart for regularly mixing it with Roy Keane.
Great club ambassador as well as a great leader of turning BOYS into MEN.
Some might say "he hardly gets a game", however in his position / at his age (touching 35), his experience and knowledge both ON & OFF the pitch is as good a classroom as any for the up & coming younger players to learn from, and that's without mentioning the current "young" crop that are already in 1st team such as Micah, Johnno (Michael & Adam), JH etc.
Whilst you could say we're moving UP a level every season of late, I firmly believe PADDY VIERA will play his part both ON & OFF the pitch next season and his experience could prove vital when coming on as a late sub to lock up crucial games both in Europe & League.
Expect PV to play as many (or maybe more) games as he did this season (including sub apps) leading to another important piece of our WINNING Jigsaw.
Q. (arguably) most important piece of our FAC WINNING JIGSAW this season ?
A. PATRICK VIERA (?) - when you look at his GOALS SCORED & APPEARANCE record in this season's FA CUP it's one hell of an achievement at his age, and that's before you consider (in addition) how important his experience was on top of such quality play.
WORTH KEEPING - NO QUESTION !
ctid.
This guy is a winner and should be kept even if not as a player. His influence in the dressing room is an inspiration particularly to the younger players. If we want to be winners we have to employ winners and that includes ALL areas of the club.
I would'nt object to him staying with us, but as a coach or mentor rather than a player. I know we are all basking in the glory of winning the cup & ECL qualification, but lets not get carried away by it all. He was a truly great player & not many can match his achievements in the game, but the legs are now gone & can no longer carry him in these days of high tempo action. Time to return to reality & wish him well for the future, which I presumed was in the more sedate surroundings of the USA with a host of other former greats.
Great influence in the team. I think he can still give a year. Could become a city coach.
Last game or not ............. make sure City WIN !
He's a giant with a tiny face... bit like a cheetah... or Alison Moyet.
great part of the squad, atleast another season, then maybe a coaching role
I for one am really glad he is at City and that he continues to stay with us, in whatever capacity the Manager thinks is appropriate.
The new Didi Hamman!
Funny how we all loved him when all he would do was come on for 10 minutes, spin around in circles and win free kicks. But we as supporters in general don't seem to appreciate Viera as much. I for one think he plays damn good for us, regardless of age. Gets in good positions, scores goals, gets assists, can pass, tackle, head, lead, control the game, etc...