Signing the legend, not the player

There will be a lot of talk over the next few days about the Vieira legend. About the years collecting silverware (and bookings, red cards and suspensions) at Arsenal and then the move to Ital, firstly Juventus then Inter Milan and the silverware that followed there, people will go all misty eyed recalling his last kick in English football, when his penalty at Cardiff won an F.A Cup. What people will be reluctant to admit is that Vieira past his sell by date a long time ago.

Let's be honest, he's coming to England for the silly money being offered at the Manchester Project, £135,000 a week for a thirty three year old who has played just 77 games in the last three and a bit seasons shows how far down the drain the game in England has gone. Since leaving Arsenal his total appearances in each of the last five seasons has been: 43, 24, 21, 17 and 15!

There's talk of him playing the 'holding role' what does that mean? All he will be holding is a big fat pay cheque. Apparently his signing shows faith by Roberto Mancini, that's the same Mancini who didn't show faith when he was at Inter.

Arsenal fans can keep hold of the good times and the good memories and not dwell on Vieira's last visit to London in March 2006 when he was tackled and lost possession to that hard man of the midfield Robert Pires before 'Bobby' set up Cesc for Arsenal's opening goal against Juventus.

Of course I could be wrong and this signing will be the start of great things at Manchester City, it just seems strange for a side that already has at least two, more than adequate, holding midfielders in Vincent Kompany and Gareth Barry that they should sign a third.