Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira speaks out as he takes on big international job | Football
Patrick Vieira has described himself as ‘honoured and proud’ ahead of his official unveiling as the new manager of Senegal.
It was confirmed last month that Vieira was set to take the role, but he is finally due to be presented as the new boss on Friday, when he announces his first squad.
The 50-year-old is well known as a France international, winning 107 caps for the country, but he was born in Dakar, Senegal.
Vieira lived in Senegal until he was eight when he moved to France with his family, going on to begin his professional football career there with Cannes.
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He did not return to Senegal until 2003, when he had become a superstar with Arsenal and France, laying the foundation stone of a new academy in the country.
The former Gunners captain is now back in Senegal again, this time as manager of the national team, replacing Pape Thiaw.
Vieira wrote on Instagram: ‘Honoured and proud to join Senegal as head coach of the national A team.
‘I thank the Senegalese Football Federation for their confidence.
‘I am looking forward to meeting the group and starting work together on the next steps.’
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Senegal suffered a heart-breaking exit from the World Cup this summer, after narrowly escaping their group thanks to hammering Iraq 5-0 after defeats to France and Norway.
In the last 32 they were 2-0 up on Belgium with five minutes to play, before conceding twice to go to extra time and then losing 3-2 to a Youri Tielemans penalty.
Thiaw was sacked after the tournament, with the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) stating he was dismissed ‘in the best interests of Senegalese football’.
Vieira will have a crack at international management for the first time after stints in charge of New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
He left Genoa in November 2025 after 37 games in charge, which yielded 10 wins.
The new manager’s first games in charge will be Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mozambique and Ethiopia later this month.
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