Patrick Vieira (©Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Patrick Vieira (©Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Legendary Patrick Vieira says he's very proud of his African identity

Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 14.10.22. | 18:24

Crystal Palace manager and Arsenal legend was born in Senegal to a Gabonese father and a Cape Verdean mother

Patrick Vieira is probably one of the most emblematic Premier League stars ever. He was a dominant midfielder and a true leader of that mesmerizing Gunners' squad, The Invincibles. Today, he's one of the most respected EPL coaches, currently in charge of Crystal Palace.

Vieira has been honoured at the Best of Africa awards - a night honouring athletes from the continent.

In a conversation with CNN, the Arsenal legend revealed he's very proud of his African ancestors and roots, thus being born in Senegal in 1976.

"It is always good for people to know that I'm African and for people to remind themselves that I'm born in Africa, "stated Vieira, born to a Gabonese father and a Cape Verdean mother. They moved to France when he was eight.

The former Arsenal captain is currently the only manager from an ethnic minority in the Premier League and only the 10th Black manager since the competition's inception in 1992.

"I want to give hope by showing people that you can succeed if you put your head into it.

"But of course, we need opportunities, and I hope that more and more young African people/black people will have the opportunity to do what they love doing," explained Vieira.


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Patrick VieiraArsenalFranceSenegalBlack lives matter

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