New York City confirm Patrick Vieira is leaving to take over at Ligue 1 side Nice

Patrick Vieira will leave New York City to become the new manager of Nice, the American club’s ownership has confirmed.

The former France midfielder will succeed Lucien Favre at the Allianz Riviera in what will be the 41-year-old’s first managerial role at a European club.

Vieira has been in charge of Major League Soccer club New York City since 2016, having started his coaching career in Manchester City’s academy following his retirement from playing.

‘I would like to thank City Football Group and New York City FC for the opportunity to have coached this tremendous football club,’ Vieira said in a statement.

‘Leaving New York is an incredibly difficult decision for me and my family and one that has not been taken lightly.

‘From the beginning, City Football Group and its leadership, particularly our chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Brian Marwood, Ferran Soriano and Marty Edelman, have believed in me and have helped guide me through the last eight years of my career – starting with my time as a player and ultimately culminating with my first opportunity to manage a first team.’

Favre is leaving Nice, who finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season – a point shy of a UEFA Europa League spot – to manage German side Borussia Dortmund.

Vieira will take assistant coach Christian Lattanzio, performance coach Kristian Wilson and physical performance coach Matt Cook to Nice with him.