Arsenal Legend, Patrick Vieira Appointed As Crystal Palace Manager, Wenger Reacts

Former Arsenal captain and club legend, Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new manager for Crystal Palace.

Vieira was appointed on Sunday on a three-year contract and replaces veteran Roy Hodgson ahead of the club’s return to pre-season training on Monday.

“Crystal Palace Football Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Patrick Vieira as its new manager for the next three seasons,” Palace said in a statement.

“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,” said Vieira about the appointment.

“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.”

Reacting to the appointment, former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger under whom Vieira had a stellar career as a player said the new Crystal Palace has a lot to offer.

He wished him the best in his new role.

Wenger told beIN Sports France: “First of all, he would be a great asset for Crystal Palace, and I also think that he has left such a mark on the Premier League’s pitch that I would like him to leave a mark outside the pitch.

“We still wish him the best, and I think it would be great.”