Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira has launched a scathing verbal attack on the club's board of directors, squad members and manager Arsene Wenger's new signings. The Frenchman did not hold back as he told The Sun newspaper that the reason he wants out is because he feels the North London club are also-rans among Europe's elite group of clubs and will not be challenging for honours during next season.
"People should know this is nothing to do with money. I need to leave because I want to win more trophies and I just cannot see that happening at Arsenal. Certainly not over the next few years, anyway. Comparing Arsenal to the big clubs in Europe this season is going to be quite ridiculous. I do not honestly see Arsenal finishing in the top five in the league - and you can forget the Champions League," he warned.
Vieira is far from inspired by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's summer signings so far. "When I told Arsene Wenger I was leaving, he said to me 'I have £25million to spend on a few players'. My answer was 'Obviously, Mr Wenger, you are not shopping in Harrods. That will only buy you one good player.' Now I have been proved right."
"Arsene Wenger has signed two 'hopeful' players who haven't proved themselves in the Premiership yet. One of them is a boy of 20. You can't compete with the best clubs in Europe by making these kind of signings. With £25million in the kitty, Arsenal is not a great European club. With that budget they won't even be among the top 20 clubs in Europe," he added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
