New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira admits he struggles to watch Arsene Wenger's battles at Arsenal.

Vieira insists he still follows his old club, despite his current ties to Manchester City.

He told L'Equipe: "I find it very hard for him. I do not want to say that I suffer for him, because I'm out of the place, but I can realize, for having spent nine years (from 1996 to 2005), how much he must suffer.

"If there really is someone who loves this club and wants this club to succeed, it's Arsène. Then we can discuss how the team plays or something else, but I find that the criticisms that fall on Arsene on a personal level are difficult to accept. It may have been becoming a coach myself that makes me feel differently.

"I remember very well every time he refused the biggest clubs to stay at Arsenal. I know what I'm talking about, because the same clubs contacted me and told me, when I met them, that their number one goal was to bring in Arsene.

"He said no to everyone to stay with Arsenal, and today people forget about it."