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NEW YORK. — Patrick Vieira plans to draw on lessons learned under Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger as he launches his management career with New York City FC – but says he is determined to forge his own identity.

The list of Vieira’s coaches during a glittering playing career reads like a who’s who of European football management’s elite, including the likes of Wenger, Mourinho, Fabio Capello and Roberto Mancini.

The 39-year-old former Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan star said while each manager had influenced his career, Mourinho’s attention to detail and Wenger’s freedom of expression had made a lasting impression.

“Something that I really liked about Mourinho was his preparation before the game,” the World Cup-winning former France midfielder told a press conference on Wednesday. — AFP.