Crystal Palace's next manager is Patrick Vieira

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira appointed as Crystal Palace's new manager

Patrick Vieira has been named as the next manager of Crystal Palace, succeeding Roy Hodgson.

After a rigorous process since Hodgson announced his departure on May 18, the former Arsenal captain emerged as Palace's favourite candidate.

The Eagles, who finished 14th last season, have signed the 45-year-old Frenchman to a three-year contract.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 🦅

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Patrick Vieira as our new manager until 2024 ✍️#CPFC | https://t.co/utMcYSDkhb

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) July 4, 2021

After beginning his coaching career in the Manchester City academy, where he concluded his first coaching career in 2011, he spent two and a half years as coach of Major League Soccer side New York City.

During his two full seasons in Nice, he made two playoff appearances and finished seventh and sixth in the standings.

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre held conversations about the job before withdrawing from contention to replace the 73-year-old Hodgson, whose four-year contract expired in the summer.

Proud and excited to be part of this new journey. I want to thank the @CPFC board for their trust & thank the fans for the amount of support I've been getting for the past few days. I can't wait to see you there, back where it all started @premierleague. Come on you Eagles 🦅❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/fa8BO6LZgW

— Patrick Vieira (@OfficialVieira) July 4, 2021

Between 1996 and 2005, France midfielder Vieira won seven major awards while playing for Arsenal.

With France, he won the World Cup and the European Championship, and he also helped Inter Milan win three Serie A crowns.

Vieira joined Manchester City in January 2010 and helped them win the FA Cup the following year before retiring from the game.