"Arsene Wenger called me and I followed him" - Patrick Vieira revealed how he joined Arsenal

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has revealed how Arsene Wenger convinced him to join Arsenal.

On this day in 1996, Arsenal Football Club made a pivotal signing that would shape the future of the team. The club acquired 20-year-old midfielder Patrick Vieira from AC Milan for a transfer fee of £3.5 million. This move marked the beginning of an era that would bring immense success to the Gunners.

In a heartfelt tribute to his former manager, Arsène Wenger, Vieira recalled the conversation that led him to join Arsenal. "He was the reason I came to Arsenal," Vieira said in June 2022. "Arsène called me, 'Listen, I'm going to Arsenal, do you want to come?'. Yeah, I'll follow you. I don't know where I'm going but I'll follow you! The rest is history!"

Vieira's words encapsulate the profound impact Wenger had on his career and the trust he placed in his manager. This fateful decision would lead to a remarkable journey, with Vieira becoming an integral part of Arsenal's dominance in the Premier League during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The French midfielder's partnership with Emmanuel Petit, his vision, and leadership on the pitch were instrumental in shaping the team's success.

During his nine-year tenure at Arsenal, Vieira won an impressive array of trophies, including:

- 3 Premier League titles (1997-98, 2001-02, 2003-04)

- 4 FA Cups (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005)

- 1 UEFA Cup runner-up medal (2000)

As the years have passed, Vieira's admiration for Wenger has only grown stronger. His testimonial serves as a reminder of the transformative power of their partnership and the enduring legacy they created at Arsenal. The signing of Patrick Vieira on this day in 1996 will forever be remembered as a pivotal moment in the club's history, one that paved the way for a golden era of triumph and glory.