The French legend has returned to his homeland after departing MLS side New York City.
The news that he would leave to take over at Ligue 1 side Nice was strangely announced on Manchester City’s website, before being taken down.
The statement from Patrick Vieira read:
“I would like to thank City Football Group and New York City FC for the opportunity to have coached this tremendous football club.
“Leaving New York is an incredibly difficult decision for me and for my family and one that has not been taken lightly.
From the beginning, City Football Group and its leadership, 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.”
After various coaching roles at Manchester City, Vieira became head coach at New York City FC in 2016, with the club steadily improving since.
He was briefly, if remotely, linked with the Arsenal job when Arsene Wenger announced his departure. He replaces Lucien Favre at OGC Nice, who finished 8th in the Ligue 1 table last season, just missing out on Europa League football.
The World Cup winner’s experience in the league came at the beginning of his playing career from 1993 to 1996, with Cannes.
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