Manchester City defender Micah Richards admits Patrick Vieira has been a mentor since his arrival.
The Arsenal legend is now working in the front office at City after playing last season.
Richards told the Guardian: "When he first came he always said: 'You've got some amazing ability, if you can mix that with hard work and willingness to learn, you'll make a very good player of yourself.'
"When a legend like Vieira says that you have to take it on board. I still see him day to day and he still tells me: 'Keep working hard, you'll get to where you want to be.' "