Patrick Vieira has been appointed by French side Strasbourg – four months after he was sacked by Crystal Palace.
The Arsenal legend, 47, has signed a three-year contract with Strasbourg, who finished 15th in Ligue 1 last season. The news comes just over a week after Chelsea’s owners agreed a deal to buy a majority stake in Strasbourg as part of a multi-club ownership model.
A statement on the club’s official website said: “Patrick Vieira (47) has signed a three-year contract as coach of Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace,” adding: “Trained at AS Cannes, the former French international midfielder (107 caps), was World Champion in 1998 and European Champion in 2000, and also had a very successful career with several of Europe’s most prestigious clubs (AC Milan, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter, Manchester City) before becoming a coach, first with Manchester City at youth level before taking charge of the first teams of New York City FC (MLS), OGC Nice (Ligue 1) and Crystal Palace (Premier League).”
Speaking after being unveiled, Vieira said: “I know the history and the identity of this club, the fervour it arouses, the importance it has for its region, which is a place of football and passion. The rebuilding of the club in recent years, under the direction of Marc Keller, is an example to be admired.
“Working with him is a real pleasure for me. Today, a new cycle begins for Racing and it is exciting as a coach to be able to build something while relying on the values that have defined the strength of the club.”
Strasbourg President Marc Keller said: “I welcome Patrick Vieira, whom I know from the French national team; I am very happy to welcome him to Strasbourg,” adding: “Patrick’s arrival should allow us to make further progress and to take a step forward. He corresponds to the profile we were looking for a manager with international experience, and who also has a good knowledge of Ligue 1 and its young players. We are convinced that he will be able to do a very good job here, in a healthy and fulfilling environment. We are going to put him in the best conditions so that he can succeed.
Vieira replaces Frederic Antonetti, who was sacked last week after the team finished 15th, two places and five points above the relegation zone.