MANCHESTER, England (AP) — World Cup-winning midfielder Patrick Vieira has retired to take a development role with Manchester City, helping guide and mentor young players.
The 35-year-old former France international says he has “a lot to learn about the non-playing areas of the business but there are many very experienced people here for me to learn from.”
The former Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan player was City coach Roberto Mancini’s first signing when he took over. Vieira joined in January 2010 and helped the club qualify for the Champions League last season.
The Senegal-born Vieira won the World Cup in 1998 with France and the European Championship two years later.
