London: Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira has announced his retirement from professional football and will take up a role off the pitch with City.
Vieira has described the end of his playing career as a sad day but is looking forward to his change of direction.
The 35-year-old Frenchman hung up his boots on Thursday, 18 years after making his debut for Cannes, following a glittering career that has brought him World Cup and European Championship winners' medals as well as seven domestic titles and five FA Cups.
Vieira, who was released by City at the end of last season, has accepted a newly-created position as the club's football development executive and will help nurture young players among other responsibilities.
The former midfielder told City's official website: "It was something I was preparing for in my head and I think it was the right time.
"It's a sad day and a sad moment but overall I've enjoyed the years I've spent in football. Football has brought me a lot.
"I think it will be difficult to find a job that will give me as much satisfaction as football has given me but I just want to give back to society and give back to football what it has given to me. And what a fantastic club for me to do it."
Vieira was City boss Roberto Mancini's first signing when he left Inter Milan to return to the Premier League in January 2010.
Vieira rose to prominence when he joined Arsenal from AC Milan in 1996 and he went on to enjoy great success in nine seasons with the Gunners.
The combative midfielder was part of the 'Invincibles' team that won the Premier League title in 2003-04 without losing a match while he won two other league crowns and four FA Cups.
His final kick for the Gunners was the winning penalty in the 2005 cup final, the last trophy won by Arsenal, before he moved on to Italy.
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