Their time at Inter Milan only overlapped 18 months and that was ended by Jose Mourinho selling Patrick Vieira in the January 2010 transfer window.
Still, despite Vieira working under Arsene Wenger for seven-and-a-half years longer than he did with Mourinho, the former France captain cites the Portuguese manager as having been the biggest influence on him.
Vieira, who is now manager of New York City FC, told The Times that if he was to choose a manager to take charge of his 'Select XI', Mourinho would get the job.
He’s the manager who had more influence on me.
Why? Because he was the one who impressed me most on his work ethic. He knew everything about the opposition, the strength, weakness. His detail was unbelievable; everything was so clear about what he wanted from each player. I don’t know what happened at Chelsea but he always got the best out of his players.
Vieira also revealed that he has not spoken to Wenger for 'quite a long time'.
Arsène is more concentrated on his own team. He gives freedom to players to express themselves. It’s a different style.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder, who won three Premier League titles with the club, was never contacted by anyone regarding a coaching position at the Emirates.
I’ve never been contacted by anyone to manage or get involved with the club.
I was expecting something from them, but it didn’t come. It didn’t kill me.
Picture credit; David Maher / SPORTSFILE
