Patrick Vieira is widely expected to make the trip from Milan to Manchester today in order to seal a move to Manchester City.
There has been much speculation in recent weeks concerning newly-appointed Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini’s desire to link up once more with the defensive midfielder.
The rumour mill has now gone into overdrive as Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho added more fuel to the already fiercely burning fire by saying that the French midfielder has “certainly played his last game for Inter.”
His words came after the Nerazzuri overcame Chievo 1-0 yesterday. The former Arsenal legend, Vieira, played the full 90 minutes for the Milan side.
Mourinho said: “”I should give a special mention to Vieira, who certainly played his last game with us.”
The Portuguese manager was unwilling to reveal the prospective destination of the player but listed the chance of Vieira returning to England as a strong possibility.
In recent weeks Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with the player but it remains to be seen which club Vieira will opt for.
‘The Special One’ paid testament to the contribution of the French international in a decorated spell at the San Siro.
“He had an impeccable game [against Chievo]. It was the perfect farewell to us, and I want to wish him all the best for his new career.”
Vieira left Arsenal in 2005 having scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup final against Manchester United. He joined Juventus for a fee of £18 million before moving to Inter Milan in 2006.