‘Special’ Vieira hangs up his boots

PATRICK VIEIRA has described the end of his playing career as a sad day but is looking forward to taking up a new role off the pitch with Manchester City.

The 35-year-old Frenchman hung up his boots yesterday, 18 years after making his debut for Cannes, in a career that took him to AC Milan, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter and Manchester City and brought World Cup, European Championship, along with Premier League and Serie A successes.

Vieira, released by City at the end of last season, has accepted a newly-created position as the club’s football development executive.