Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira is baffled by Arsenal defender Ben White's admission that he has never watched football.

The centre-back raised eyebrows earlier this week by admitting he is too busy to follow matches on television.

And that revelation has surprised former Arsenal captain Vieira.

“It matters," said Vieira ahead of Monday night's 2-2 draw at Arsenal. “Watching games shows the passion and love you have. Thierry (Henry) would watch any kind of game in any league in any country.

“He knew everything about the game. I played with Cesc Fabregas and the Spanish players watched games every day.

“It's a different culture here in England - not better, not worse. But in France or Spain players watch football - also Italy where I played as well."