Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was close to re-sign former captain Patrick Vieira, but he finally opted not to.

The Frenchman left Inter Milan in Italy during the January transfer window to join Manchester City but according to Wenger, he had a meeting with the 33-year about a possible return to the North London Club.

Wenger, who was full of praise for the Arsenal legend, explained how he opted not to re-sign him in order to keep his Arsenal image intact, as a comeback would have meant people expecting him to perform in the same way he did during his first spell at the club.

Wenger said:

It was a real tough call because I have a special relation with Patrick. He came here the same time, we were successful together. I respect his fighting attitude. I could go always with Patrick to Sheffield, to Bolton, and he would be ready to die.

Somewhere as well you feel responsible not to make a mistake when a player has been so big for the Club. It is never the same. People will be more demanding, less forgiving. Maybe I thought it was a better decision.