Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hinted why New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira wasn't a serious contender for his job.

The Gunners chose Unai Emery to succeed Wenger ahead of their former captain.

Vieira is head coach at New York City, the MLS franchise owned by Manchester City. He was linked with replacing Wenger at Arsenal and with jobs in Ligue 1.

“I think he has the qualities to become a great coach," said Wenger. “But a great coach means a man in great suffering as well. People from outside only see the glamorous side, the trophies.

“But the trophies, it's only a day in the year, five minutes, and until the end you are shaking. Everything else, the ­everyday, is the fight with yourself, with ­others, to convince. We must always question ourselves.

"It's a ­priesthood, a sacrifice of a life."