Former Arsenal captain appointed Nice manager after leaving New York City

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new manager of French Ligue 1 side Nice.

The ex-Manchester City, Inter Milan and Juventus midfielder was in his third season as head coach of New York City.

The 41-year-old had been tipped to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal before the appointment of Unai Emery.

"Leaving New York is an incredibly difficult decision for me and my family and one that has not been taken lightly," said Vieira.

Nice finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season, missing out on a Europa League place by one point.

Vieira takes over from Lucien Favre, who was appointed Borussia Dortmund coach in May.

The Major League Soccer side are part of the City Football Group founded by Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour.

'Arsenal link was good for my ego'

Patrick Vieira took over as New York City manager in January 2016

When Wenger announced his departure after 22 years in charge, Vieira was linked with the Arsenal role along with the likes of Luis Enrique, Carlo Ancelotti, Joachim Low, Brendan Rodgers and Leonardo Jardim.

At the time, Vieira said he was "flattered" but "happy" as New York coach.

"I am always flattered to hear my name linked with different football clubs. That is good for your ego but at the same time, I am happy here," Vieira told New York radio station WNYE in April.

"We will see what will happen in the next couple of years.

"I spent nine years at Arsenal which makes the club really special for me. But that is not enough to coach the team."

Patrick Vieira, like Arsene Wenger, arrived at Arsenal in 1996 when he signed from AC Milan. He went on to make 279 league appearances for the club

During his playing career, Vieira won four FA Cups and eight league titles.

He won six major honours at Arsenal between 1996-2005 before helping Juventus finish top of Serie A in 2006, although they were later stripped of the title.

However, he then helped Inter Milan win four straight Italian titles from 2007-2010 before joining Manchester City in January 2010, helping them win the 2011 FA Cup.

His 107 caps for France include winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

Vieira began his coaching career in impressive fashion, guiding New York to back-to-back play-off appearances in his first two seasons.

He leaves with New York in second place in the MLS' Eastern Conference after winning eight of their 15 games.