Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira reveals he came close to joining Tottenham

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira revealed that he came pretty close to joining Tottenham from Inter Milan. The Premier League legend who is now the manager of Crystal Palace went on to say how he held talks with the Spurs manager then, Harry Redknapp. However, he ultimately decided against it.

As Spurs gear up to play Crystal Palace, it was only natural that their manager, Patrick Vieira revealed some stories related to Spurs during his time as a player. A classy midfielder, Vieira was one of the best ever to put on the Arsenal shirt. He was relentless in his challenges and was hands down the best in his position.

Vieira in action against Spurs during his Arsenal days

Vieira would go on to achieve cult status for our rivals, Arsenal. He was the captain of the side that led them to that undefeated season in 2004. He featured in a total of 279 games for the club, winning a number of trophies before departing for Juventus in 2005. A year later he would move again, this time to Inter Milan.

It was during 2008 that there was a chance he could have joined Spurs. It came to the point where he spoke with the then Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. Vieira spoke about the same ahead of facing Spurs.

“It is too far and a long time ago. I don’t remember. No, that was a period where I really wanted to come back to the Premier League. Knowing Harry quite well and admiring him as a manager, we had a conversation about different options but at the end there was no chance of me coming to England and going to Spurs, no chance.”

Patrick Vieira revealed that he was close to joining Spurs

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It is understandable that Vieira did not make the move to Spurs given the rivalry at stake between the London clubs. Regardless, Vieira did return to England in 2010 with Manchester City for a sole season. Then he transitioned into management over the next decade.