03.02.2010
Vieira relishing Premier League return
Patrick Vieira cannot wait to play his first Premier League match after fours seasons away from English football.
The 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder has endured a frustrating wait on the sidelines with an ankle injury since joining Manchester City from Italian giants Inter Milan last month.
But Vieira is now fit and could make his City debut against Hull on Saturday as he bids to boost his chances of being selected for France's World Cup finals squad in South Africa later this year - which would be his fourth appearance at football's global showpiece.
"It has been a frustrating spell with the injury. Thank God it is over and I am ready to start, " Vieira told the club's website, mcfc.co.uk on Wednesday.
"I suffered it in the last game for Inter and did not realise it was that bad. City have been right behind me and I have to thank them for that.
"I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League again and getting a run of games. When I was in Italy I followed the matches. They have been exciting and I really believe it is one of the best in the world."
City are pushing for a top four place after losing to Manchester United in the semi-finals of the League Cup and are still in this season's FA Cup.
"I have found a team that matches my expectations. I think the future for this club is fantastic. There are a lot of winners and great players in the dressing room," he said.
"Hopefully we can achieve what we want and finish in the top four. We are getting closer to Manchester United. The gap is definitely narrowing."
Vieira, capped 107 times, was a member of the France team that won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championships but he has not played for his country since June 2009.
Source: © 2010 AFP - Andrew Yates
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