Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira insists he still feels a close link to former club Arsenal.

The fact he has never been offered a senior coaching role at Arsenal shouldn't represent a disconnect with the club, says Vieira.

"I don't think the connection stopped," he claimed.

"This is something that is always going to be part of me because it was nine years, and nine years when I was part of a generation who had success.

"Nobody can write that off. That is always going to be part of who I am as a manager now, who I was as a player and who I am as a person."

Vieira explained he was convinced of his coaching capabilities at his final club Manchester City, by executives Gary Cook and Brian Marwood, but former manager Arsene Wenger remains a uniquely inspirational figure in his footballing life.

"Our relationship is still really good," Vieira ahead of Monday night's clash at Arsenal. "We keep in touch. He has been watching games and he is always there if I need him."