PARIS (AP) — Patrick Vieira has been left out of France’s provisional squad for the World Cup.
Coach Raymond Domenech says the Manchester City midfielder’s difficult season ended his chances to make the trip to South Africa.
Vieira, a former Arsenal player who has made 107 international appearances, returned to the Premier League from Inter Milan in January in a bid to regain a spot on Domenech’s team. The 33-year-old Vieira won the 1998 World Cup and the Euro 2000, but struggled with injuries in recent seasons. He last played for France in a 1-0 home loss to Nigeria last June.
Domenech, who earlier said he would announce a final 23-man squad as soon as Tuesday, opted instead for a larger group. Coaches have until June 1 to trim their squads.
