Source: Team_Talk
City to become world power - Vieira
Patrick Vieira is convinced Manchester City are on course to become one of the biggest clubs in the world.[LNB] And the former City midfielder, who announced his retirement last week, hopes to play his part as he begins a new off-field role at the Etihad Stadium.[LNB]The wealth of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has elevated City to elite level and last season's FA Cup win will be followed by Champions League participation and a possible title challenge next term.[LNB]Vieira, now the club's football development executive, is excited by the possibilities.[LNB]The 35-year-old said: "I think the target and the ambition of all the people working for this football club is really high.[LNB]"They want to challenge the biggest clubs in the world and the club is getting there.[LNB]"When you look at the club three years ago and where it is now, it is a big change. You never know where the club will be in three years.[LNB]"We just have to keep working really hard, keep believing in what we are doing and I am sure the club will challenge the biggest in the world."[LNB]Vieira will primarily be remembered as an Arsenal legend after making 372 appearances and winning three league titles during nine years with the Gunners.[LNB]He only made 12 league starts after joining City in January 2010, but the club made a huge impression on him and he was keen to stay in some capacity after deciding to retire.[LNB]Vieira, who also won 107 caps for France, said: "It was time for me to hang up the boots but I am really happy with my new role.[LNB]"I have been at the club for a year-and-a-half but I feel like I have been here for 10 years.[LNB]"The football club is growing up so fast and I am really proud to be part of it.[LNB]"It is a hard decision but it was easy at the same time because the proposal from the club to work for them was exciting.[LNB]"I wanted to learn the other side of the game as well, and what a club to do it at."[LNB]Vieira was speaking as City unveiled ambitious plans for a new 80-acre, state-of-the-art training complex near to the Etihad Stadium.[LNB]As part of the recently-announced Etihad Campus project, the club intend to develop a world-class facility for their first team and academy.[LNB]"It is fantastic, unbelievable," said Vieira. "When you are a player what you ask for is a facility where you can express yourself and learn.[LNB]"I don't think you will find a better facility than this around the world."
