Manchester City have completed the signing of midfielder Patrick Vieira from Inter Milan.
France international Vieira, who becomes new Blues boss Roberto Mancini's first signing, has signed a six-month deal at Eastlands with an option for a further year.
"Patrick is a world class midfielder with a winner's mentality and will fit into this group very well," Mancini told City's official website.
"He knows me and my staff well, and importantly he also knows what the Premier League is all about. He will not need much time to settle in.
"Patrick is one of the great players of his era with every almost every honour in the game against his name. I am sure City fans will welcome him warmly and appreciate the contribution he will make."
The 33-year-old's deal at Inter was due to expire in the summer and the former AC Milan and Arsenal schemer was keen to secure first-team football to work his way into the France squad ahead of the World Cup finals.
After a mixed spell at AC Milan, Vieira joined Arsenal in 1996 and went on to become a pivotal figure as the Gunners landed three Premier League titles and four FA Cups.
He moved to Juventus in 2005, spending one season at the Bianconeri during which time the club claimed the Scudetto before being stripped of the crown due to the match-fixing scandal and consequently relegated to Serie B.
Vieira joined Inter where he won three Serie A crowns and two Coppa Italias.
He has won 107 caps for Les Bleus, contributing to their 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship successes.
Source: PA
