Patrick Vieira has revealed his love for Karim Benzema, his regrets over Real Madrid and his faith in Manchester City in the Champions League.
The retired midfielder spoke to AS today ahead of Manchester City’s crucial group stage clash with Madrid.
Vieira, who is now a Football Development Executive at City, picked out his fellow countryman in Los Blancos’ ranks as the man he is most looking forward to seeing tonight.
“For me, Benzema is a player who can do everything. He can score goals, play for his team, he knows when to come to collect the ball, when to go forward and run in behind the defence,” enthused the 36-year-old.
“I swear, I’m in love with Benzema. From when he was playing in Lyon, I have said that he is the best modern player.”
When playing at Arsenal, Vieira famously turned down the same chance Benzema later had to join Real Madrid. He was asked if he regretted saying no.
“No, because I have been fortunate to play for many big clubs like Juventus, Milan… But years ago when I didn’t go to Madrid, I was at Arsenal and had the worst year I played there.
“Although we won the FA Cup, I was not playing well and the following summer I left [to Juventus]. And the truth is that yes, I regretted then having not gone to Madrid. And even now I regret it a little.
“Whatever they say, Madrid is Madrid. I spoke to Florentino [Perez] several times. I have much respect for him, but things went as they did.”
Attention turned back to tonight’s match that Vieira’s current employers must win to hold any hope of progressing to the Last 16.
“The door is not completely closed. Anything can happen, like when we won the League last year,” commented the Frenchman.
“Qualifying third and going into the Europa League would be nice for us too. Everyone talks about winning the Champions League, but we are new in this world. Of course people are disappointed and indeed, we have spent a lot of money, but the Champions League is different.
“The fans know where the club was three years ago, struggling to avoid relegation to the first division, and where we are now. Two years ago we won the FA Cup and last year we won the League. People have to be patient.”
