08.01.2010
Inter's Vieira completes Man City move
Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira -- pictured in 2008 -- has completed his move to Manchester City.
France international Vieira, who becomes new Blues boss Roberto Mancini's first signing, has signed a six-month deal with an option for a further year.
The 33-year-old's deal at Inter was due to expire in the summer and the former AC Milan and Arsenal is desperate to secure first-team football as he bids for a place in France's World Cup squad.
Mancini, who worked with Vieira at the San Siro, told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "Patrick is a world class midfielder with a winner's mentality and will fit into this group very well.
"He knows me and my staff well, and importantly he also knows what the Premier League is all about. He will not need much time to settle in.
"Patrick is one of the great players of his era with every almost every honour in the game against his name. I am sure City fans will welcome him warmly and appreciate the contribution he will make."
Vieira joined Arsenal from AC Milan in 1996 and went on to become a pivotal figure as the Gunners landed three Premier League titles and four FA Cups.
He moved to Juventus in 2005, spending one season there during which time the club claimed the Scudetto before being stripped of the crown due to the match-fixing scandal and consequently relegated to Serie B.
Vieira then joined Inter where he won three Serie A crowns and two Italian Cup titles.
He has won 107 caps with France, helping them to their 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship successes.
Source: © 2010 AFP - Marcello Paternostro
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