Crystal Palace have appointed Patrick Vieira as manager on a three-year contract until June 2024.
Vieira’s appointment sees the Frenchman return to England for the first time in a decade since finishing his playing career with Manchester City, whilst boasting an impressive record of 11 trophies in a total of ten seasons across separate spells at Arsenal and Man City.
Speaking on his appointment, Vieira said that he was “really excited” to return to the Premier League” where he previously won three titles with the Gunners.
Vieira also spoke about his excitement at the club’s future plans to build on “fantastic foundations”, adding: “It is a project that is really appealing to me, having spoken a lot with the Chairman and Sporting Director about their ambition and plans for the whole club, including the Academy.”
With fans now set to return for both home and away matches after spending the majority of last season forced to watch from home, Vieira also noted that he is keen “to experience the atmosphere the club’s supporters make at Selhurst Park and away from home too,” due to positive impact on club morale.
Palace Chairman, Steve Paris meanwhile added that he is “delighted and excited” to appoint Vieira as manager, particularly given the Frenchman’s coaching experience with youth at Man City post retirement before enjoying spells as manager of New York City and Nice.
Parish also noted that with just under six weeks until the new season gets underway, there is “a lot to do to prepare” the squad and management for this season on top of adding new players, as the Eagles visit Chelsea in their season-opener at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 14 August.
Vieira replaces Roy Hodgson who stood down at the end of last season after three-and-a-half years in charge.
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