AC Milan Blog

Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira admits his move to Arsenal almost never happened.

Vieira signed for £3.5million from AC Milan and became the first building block in Arsene Wenger's quest to lead his new side into an exciting new era.

But first there was that glimpse back into the past, from where Adams set the example for Vieira to follow.

"I'd often run into Arsene in the stands in Milan," Vieira told the News of the World.

"In a way, we were both spectators who were not doing very much. His season at Nagoya finished in October, he knew he was going to join Arsenal and I was hardly ever in the AC Milan team. So he asked if I was interested in moving.

"I was supposed to sign for Ajax, who were beginning to lose the players that had won them the Champions League two years earlier.

"I only found out recently that the Ajax deal didn't go through simply because of agents' fees. It's funny how a career can swing on such a detail.

"So anyway, - I ended up signing for Arsenal. I was completely out of my depth and didn't know what was happening.

"The first thing that happened was on one of my first days when Tony Adams started talking to everyone in the changing room.

"I could see that there was a lot of emotion among the players but I didn't understand a word and I wondered what on earth was happening.

"I learned later in the day that Tony Adams was, in fact, telling everyone that he was an alcoholic."

 
Check out the latest episode of 'Gunner Talk' as fans plead for a new striker, welcome back Sol Campbell and send a message to Chelsea captain John Terry:

Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira admits his move to Arsenal almost never happened.

Vieira signed for £3.5million from AC Milan and became the first building block in Arsene Wenger's quest to lead his new side into an exciting new era.

But first there was that glimpse back into the past, from where Adams set the example for Vieira to follow.

"I'd often run into Arsene in the stands in Milan," Vieira told the News of the World.

"In a way, we were both spectators who were not doing very much. His season at Nagoya finished in October, he knew he was going to join Arsenal and I was hardly ever in the AC Milan team. So he asked if I was interested in moving.

"I was supposed to sign for Ajax, who were beginning to lose the players that had won them the Champions League two years earlier.

"I only found out recently that the Ajax deal didn't go through simply because of agents' fees. It's funny how a career can swing on such a detail.

"So anyway, - I ended up signing for Arsenal. I was completely out of my depth and didn't know what was happening.

"The first thing that happened was on one of my first days when Tony Adams started talking to everyone in the changing room.

"I could see that there was a lot of emotion among the players but I didn't understand a word and I wondered what on earth was happening.

"I learned later in the day that Tony Adams was, in fact, telling everyone that he was an alcoholic."

 
Check out the latest episode of 'Gunner Talk' as fans plead for a new striker, welcome back Sol Campbell and send a message to Chelsea captain John Terry:

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed interest from Celtic in defender Philippe Senderos.

The Swiss defender, 24, almost joined Everton in the summer having spent last season on loan at AC Milan.

Wenger revealed: "There is an interest from Celtic, yes. It may happen.

"We have Sol Campbell and we have four centre-backs.

"Philippe needs to play. He has not played for a long time and he needs to if he wants to go to the World Cup."

Everton are ready to make an offer for Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos.

The Mirror says the Swiss defender desperately wants to leave the Emirates this January as he believes his chances of making his country’s World Cup squad are in jeopardy.

Senderos has featured in just two matches this season - both in the League Cup - and Atletico Madrid are keen on luring him to Spain.

But with the departure of Lucas Neill to Galatasaray, Everton manager David Moyes has earmarked Senderos, 24, as a potential replacement.

Senderos spent last season on-loan at AC Milan but failed to engineer a permanent move there and now the return of Sol Campbell has hastened the Arsenal man’s desire to leave.

Sol Campbell says he could be Arsenal's answer to Paolo Maldini.

Maldini retired from AC Milan last May at 40.

And Campbell said: “People like him are an inspiration.

“I’m in better shape than I was in the summer, big- time. I’ve really applied myself. The Arsenal staff have done wonders. If the club keep on training me like this, then I can keep going for two or three years playing real good quality.

“I’m really fresh and raring to go, with a real craving for the ball.”

Philippe Senderos could be on the move from Arsenal this month.

The Daily Mail says Sol Campbell’s move also casts doubt over the future of Senderos, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan and reacted last night by saying he wanted to leave Arsenal. Everton, Bolton, Sunderland, Atletico Madrid, Getafe and Bayern Munich have all been linked with the 24-year-old.

Switzerland defender Senderos said: "I want to go, I want and need to be playing ahead of the World Cup. I don’t want to play in the reserves, I just want to play."