English Premier League side Crystal Palace have appointed former Arsenal player Patrick Vieira to succeed Roy Hodgson as their new head coach. The former France playmaker emerged as Palace’s preferred candidate after a lengthy process since the departure of Hodgsonon on the 18th of May.
Patrick Vieira Signs Three Years Contract with Crystal Palace
The 45-year-old Frenchman has signed a three-year contract with the Eagles, who finished 14th last season. Speaking to the media, Patrick Vieira said: “I am excited to have this opportunity to return to the Premier League.”
He also said: “It is a project that is appealing to me, having spoken a lot with the chairman [Steve Parish] and sporting director [Dougie Freedman] about their ambition and plans for the whole club, including the academy.”
He commented on the club’s foundation, saying the club has a very good foundation in place after many years in the Premier League, and he hopes he can work with a team to further improve and continue to drive the club forward. Patrick Vieira was managing French Ligue 1 side Nie before he was sacked in December.
He has also managed Major League Soccer side New York City after beginning his coaching career in the academy at Manchester City, where he ended his stellar playing career in 2011. He secured two play-off appearances at New York City and achieved seventh- and fifth-placed finishes during his two full seasons at Nice.
