Vieira – Home Of Arsenal

Fabio Vieira has spoken candidly about the challenges he faced during his time at Arsenal after completing a season-long loan move back to Porto. The Portuguese midfielder joined Arsenal in 2022 for £34 million with high expectations, but injuries and limited opportunities left him struggling to make an impact in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Vieira made just 16 appearances for Arsenal last season, and in an interview with *O Jogo*, he revealed that returning to Porto was a decision he initiated. “The idea of returning came from me. I love this club and I’m going to give everything on the pitch,” said the 24-year-old. “I’m happy, obviously, it’s my home. I’m looking forward to being at the stadium, playing in front of these fans and doing the best I can for this club this season.”

July 2005. The month and year that Patrick Vieira left Arsenal to join Juventus. The deal was a reported £13.75m and left many Gunners’ fans in shock. The central lynchpin of the Invincible team had been cast aside with no replacement seemingly on the way.

For many, the Frenchman’s departure is a symbol of everything that followed for Arsenal over the next 12 years. A dominant, all-round midfielder who was a genuine leader. Gone. The Arsenal midfield hasn’t been the same since. Of course, it’s not quite that simple. To suggest Vieira was never replaced is a little misleading. In the last 12 years, Arsenal have had a selection of world-class midfielders, albeit of a different ilk from the towering Frenchman.

There is no doubt that Arsene Wenger has made more than a few questionable decisions during his reign. But blaming him for not replacing Vieira with a like-for-like player somewhat misses the point. The root of Arsenal’s failings in the league and Champions League stem further than a lack of leaders.

Tag: Vieira

VIEIRA OPENS UP ON ARSENAL STRUGGLES

Vieira: The Pretenders and Contenders to his Throne