By Myles Palmer
Arsenal and Manchester United had a conversation yesterday and decided not to fall out over one player.
Arsenal knew they had to make a stand this time. The player is important, but the principle is fundamental.
They could flog Vieira for £40 million, but they have decided to keep him.
Realising that he could not sign Vieira, Sir Alex Ferguson then offered £24 million for Veron of Lazio.That deal could go through today.
I’m now informed than Manchester United was Vieira’s No.1 choice.I find that incredible. I’m amazed that he wanted to go there. And I’m amazed that he ever believed Arsenal would sell him to United.
Arsenal have told Vieira that he is under contract till 2004.His contract says he has to turn up for training. If he does not turn up the squad will train without him. If he does not want to play for Arsenal the team will play without him.If he does not train he will be fined.
Clubs have been told Vieira is not for sale, so they are not contacting Arsenal.
If Real Madrid ring up and offer £40 million, a conversation might start.Arsenal might say, “Maybe, if we can have Figo.”
So that is the state of play at noon today, 28th June.
Agent Marc Roger, who says he is Vieira’s best friend, is being thoroughly investigated by journalists.
It’s a shame that Vieira went into the bubble.
I’ve spent decades as a journalist looking for people with the character, stamina and integrity to survive success, and I really thought he was one of them.
But glory and praise expanded Vieira’s head, filled it with helium, and he lost touch with reality. He was gutted by Valencia and Cardiff, went to the Confederation Cup, played brilliantly, set up a header for Pires in the semi against Brazil, and scored the winner against Japan in the final.
At that point Patrick Vieira may have thought he was bigger than Arsenal, bigger than France, bigger than Zidane,Pele, Platini and Rivaldo combined.
He went on holiday with Marc Roger to Miami. Roger then concocted some bizarre and implausible quotes in his client’s name, and flogged them to the Sun for a rumoured £80,000.
Vieira may even have thrown a tantrum over Petit, saying he wanted his mate back. David Dein allegedly said “Over my dead body!”
Quite right!Petit was sold to Barcelona because Arsene Wenger allowed him to be sold.
Meanwhile, back on Planet Reality, the season is about to start.
The Premiership fixtures have been published.
New boys Jeffers and van Bronckhorst are already training twice a day in Antibes to get fit enough to handle Arsene’s pre-season work-outs at Shenley.
Arsenal will be playing in the fabled Teresa Herrera tournament in Spain on August 9th to 11th.
The four teams are Deportivo La Coruna, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Penarol of Uruguay.
28th June 2001.