Patrick Vieira takes over as Crystal Palace manager

Last update on.Vieira was the captain of the Arsenal 'Invincibles' during the 2003-04 Premier League season.Crystal Palace has appointed Patrick Vieira as Roy Hodgson's successor as Premier League club manager.After a long process, the former Arsenal captain was selected as Palace's preferred candidate. This came after Hodgson had announced his departure on 18 May.The contract is for three years and the Frenchman, 45, has signed with the Eagles. He finished 14th last year.Vieira stated, "I am very excited to have the opportunity to return to Premier League.""It's a project that appeals to me. I have spoken a lot about the ambitions and plans of the chairman [Steve Parish] as well as the sporting director [Dougie freedman] regarding the club's future, which includes the academy."The club is on solid ground after many years in Premier League. I am confident that we can continue to improve and drive the club forward."French club Nice fired Vieira in December.After starting his coaching career at the Manchester City academy, he spent two-and-a-half years as the head coach of Major League Soccer New York City. He also played in 2011 and 2011.He was able to secure two play-off appearances in New York City, and he also achieved seventh and fifth place finishes during his two seasons at Nice.Lucien Favre, former Borussia Dortmund boss, had been in talks but decided to leave the race to succeed Hodgson at 73. Hodgson's contract expired in summer after four years of service.Parish stated that he was delighted with the appointment after Vieira had "successfully learned his trade at City Group and experienced positive managerial spells in New York City, Nice, and the Europa League."He said, "We have much to do in the coming weeks to prepare and I look forward working closely with Patrick & Dougie to bring in some new faces that will help us all achieve a successful season."Vieira, a France midfielder, won seven major honors as an Arsenal player between 1996 and 2005.He was a World Cup and European Championship winner for France. He also helped Inter Milan win three Serie A titles.Vieira joined Manchester City as a player in January 2010. He helped the club win the FA Cup the year after that, before declaring his retirement.