Former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira appointed head coach of Senegal national team

Patrick Vieira, celebrated for his role in Arsenal's unbeaten 2003/04 season and a 1998 World Cup triumph with France, has accepted the role of selector for Senegal's national football team. He posted a statement on Instagram expressing pride and gratitude to the Senegalese Football Federation, and will be officially introduced in Dakar on Friday, where he will also reveal his inaugural roster. The squad is expected to feature Premier League talents such as Manchester City’s Iliman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr.

Senegal will soon face Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches away to Mozambique and Ethiopia, and a friendly in Marseille versus the Comoros Islands. Vieira replaces Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after Senegal’s World Cup loss to Belgium, where a late comeback forced extra-time. In addition to his playing pedigree, Vieira has managed clubs including Crystal Palace, Nice and Genoa.