Former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has been appointed manager of Ligue 1 club Racing Club ‘RC’ Strasbourg on a three-year contract.
The former Arsenal midfielder, 47, had been out of work since being sacked by Crystal Palace in March.
After the appointment, Vieira expressed his happiness to the French media, saying, “I am particularly happy to join Racing [Strasbourg]. I know the history and the identity of this club, the fervour it arouses, the importance it has for its region, which is a place of football and passion.”
He added, “The rebuilding of the club in recent years, under the direction of Marc Keller (Strasbourg president), is an example to be admired. Working with him is a real pleasure for me.
“Today, a new cycle begins for Racing and it is exciting as a coach to be able to build something while relying on the values that have defined the strength of the club.”
Strasbourg finished 15th in the French Ligue 1 last season, five points above the relegation zone and Vieira replaces Frederic Antonetti, 61, who helped the club retain its Ligue 1 status. Antonetti agreed to part ways with the club after Chelsea owners bought a majority stake in the club.
Vieira began his coaching career when he retired from playing with Manchester City in 2011 and took charge of the club’s elite development squad in 2013.
In 2015, the Frenchman was appointed as New York City FC coach in Major League Soccer (MLS) before taking over Nice in French Ligue 1 three years later.
