New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira has stated that he was not handed a route into management by former club Arsenal.

Vieira is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have donned the Arsenal jersey and the former skipper was one of the most integral figures in the Gunners' fantastic unbeaten Premier League campaign in 2003/04.

Despite his iconic status among the fans though, Vieira surprisingly went on to pursue his coaching career after retirement at Manchester City and the Frenchman has now gone on to reveal that Arsenal did not provide him the opportunity to get into the world of football management.

Vieira told French radio station RMC: "It's true that after spending nine years at Arsenal it is the club of my heart.

"It's where I played my best football. I would've liked for the door to be open to me or other players who have spent time at Arsenal and would like to get into the coaching profession.

"Unfortunately, that was not the case. I was very lucky to get to Manchester City at the right time. But it is true that it leaves a bit of disappointment at Arsenal."