Product Description

For nearly ten years, since his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt in September 1996 (a month before the arrival at the club of his celebrated club manager Arsene Wenger), Patrick Vieira was one of the great forces in British football, admired and feted for his competitiveness and tenacity. Vieira won two 'Doubles' of Premiership and FA Cup in 1998 and 2002, further FA Cup winner's medals in 2003 and 2005. He not only won another Premiership medal in 2004, he also captained the only unbeaten team of the modern era, the Arsenal 'Invincibles'. He won a World Cup winner's medal in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000 for France, for whom he has won over 80 caps. At 29 years of age, the world seems to be at the feet of the Senegalese-born midfield star. In his long-awaited autobiography Vieira candidly addresses the contentious issues of: * Whether there is racism in football, in Britain and France in particular. * Those matches against Manchester United, and the love-hate relationship Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane had with Vieira. * The reasons behind Vieira's surprise transfer to Juventus in Italy for 13.7 million in July 2005. * Referees - Vieira's trenchant opinions will make a huge impact. As combative and compelling as the man himself, Patrick Vieira's autobiography will be one of the most talked-about books of the year.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #237817 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-17
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 296 pages

FOURFOURTWO, 1 Feb
"Entertaining. Four stars"

Review
"Entertaining. Four stars" (FOURFOURTWO, 1 Feb )

"Gunners fans currently missing Vieira's combative qualities in central midfield can at least now enjoy them on the page." (THE OBSERVER, 8 Jan )

"You've no doubt heard about Ruud Van Nistelrooy threatening legal action for some remarks in this book, but there are other subjects that get the hard-man treatment. Watch out referees, racists and football's big earners." (SHOOT )

"The most controversial and eagerly anticipated footy memoir since Jaap Stam's." (IRISH NEWS, 17 Dec )

IRISH NEWS, 17 Dec
"The most controversial and eagerly anticipated footy memoir since Jaap Stam's."

Customer Reviews

Depends what you want to read about
If you're looking to read about the private life of Patrick Vieira, you'll be disappointed by this. However, if all you're interested in is the football, look no further. This book provides details about all Vieira's top memories in football, including chapters on his first steps with Arsenal, the 49 game unbeaten run, some memorable matches against Manchester Utd and his experiences playing for France. One of the most striking things about this book is his honesty- particularly about his fellow team mates and opponents (particularly Ruud van Nistelrooy). It's almost as though he wasn't aware they might be reading it... or he just doesn't care.

not as good as i'd hoped
Focus is too much on his playing days and how much he respects everyone. (apart from Ruud van Nistlerooy) Not enough about his life and interests. Found it dull. Read Tony Adams, Ian Wright or Gazza's books for a much more interesting read.