Vieira: My Autobiography - Tapa dura

Críticas

Entertaining. Four stars (FOURFOURTWO, 1 Feb)

Gunners fans currently missing Vieira's combative qualities in central midfield can at least now enjoy them on the page. (THE OBSERVER, 8 Jan)

You've no doubt heard about Ruud Van Nistelrooy threatening legal action for some remarks in this book, but there are other subjects that get the hard-man treatment. Watch out referees, racists and football's big earners. (SHOOT)

The most controversial and eagerly anticipated footy memoir since Jaap Stam's. (IRISH NEWS, 17 Dec)

Reseña del editor

For nearly ten years, since his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt in September 1996 (a month before the arrival at the club of his celebrated club manager Arsene Wenger), Patrick Vieira was one of the great forces in British football, admired and feted for his competitiveness and tenacity. Vieira won two 'Doubles' of Premiership and FA Cup in 1998 and 2002, further FA Cup winner's medals in 2003 and 2005. He not only won another Premiership medal in 2004, he also captained the only unbeaten team of the modern era, the Arsenal 'Invincibles'. He won a World Cup winner's medal in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000 for France, for whom he has won over 80 caps.

At 29 years of age, the world seems to be at the feet of the Senegalese-born midfield star. In his long-awaited autobiography Vieira candidly addresses the contentious issues of:

* Whether there is racism in football, in Britain and France in particular.

* Those matches against Manchester United, and the love-hate relationship Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane had with Vieira.

* The reasons behind Vieira's surprise transfer to Juventus in Italy for £13.7 million in July 2005.

* Referees - Vieira's trenchant opinions will make a huge impact.

As combative and compelling as the man himself, Patrick Vieira's autobiography will be one of the most talked-about books of the year.