03-27-2006, 04:16 PM
Vieira has no regrets about leaving Arsenal
Mon 27 Mar, 741 PM
LONDON (Reuters) - Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira insisted he did not regret leaving Arsenal and said he was looking forward to facing his old club in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Vieira left Arsenal after nine years last July to join the Serie A leaders for 20 million euros (13.8 million pounds).
"When I signed for Juventus, the Arsenal page was over," Vieira told a news conference on the eve of Juventus' first leg against Arsenal at Highbury.
"I've talked enough about the past. I'm just here to talk about this game and to prepare for the game.
"I'm really trying to focus on the game and that is what is really important."
The former Arsenal captain was confident his emotional return to Highbury would not affect his performance.
"In the nine years it was the best bit of history of Arsenal and I proud to be part of it," the French international said.
"But I never regret any decision.
"The emotional side will come after the game. But for now I'm focussed on the game and Juventus."
Vieira believes Juventus are geared up to go all the way to the final in Paris this year.
While the Italian club are eight points clear at the top of Serie A, Arsenal have failed to live up to expectations in the Premier League this season and are sixth, 28 points behind leaders Chelsea.
Vieira felt Juventus would be able to maintain their top form into the latter stages of the European competition.
"We know it will not be an easy game. But we believe we are strong enough to go through to the final," Vieira said.
"I was a little bit surprised (how Arsenal are doing) because they have got the quality to do better than they are doing.
"But it is not over yet."
Mon 27 Mar, 741 PM
LONDON (Reuters) - Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira insisted he did not regret leaving Arsenal and said he was looking forward to facing his old club in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Vieira left Arsenal after nine years last July to join the Serie A leaders for 20 million euros (13.8 million pounds).
"When I signed for Juventus, the Arsenal page was over," Vieira told a news conference on the eve of Juventus' first leg against Arsenal at Highbury.
"I've talked enough about the past. I'm just here to talk about this game and to prepare for the game.
"I'm really trying to focus on the game and that is what is really important."
The former Arsenal captain was confident his emotional return to Highbury would not affect his performance.
"In the nine years it was the best bit of history of Arsenal and I proud to be part of it," the French international said.
"But I never regret any decision.
"The emotional side will come after the game. But for now I'm focussed on the game and Juventus."
Vieira believes Juventus are geared up to go all the way to the final in Paris this year.
While the Italian club are eight points clear at the top of Serie A, Arsenal have failed to live up to expectations in the Premier League this season and are sixth, 28 points behind leaders Chelsea.
Vieira felt Juventus would be able to maintain their top form into the latter stages of the European competition.
"We know it will not be an easy game. But we believe we are strong enough to go through to the final," Vieira said.
"I was a little bit surprised (how Arsenal are doing) because they have got the quality to do better than they are doing.
"But it is not over yet."