Vieira open to playing Major League Soccer
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 | 12:30 AM ET
CBC Sports
Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira is open to playing for MLS. (Damien Meyer/Getty Images)Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira is contemplating a move to Major League Soccer.
Vieira, 33, has one year remaining on his contract with Inter, but said Monday he is open to the idea of extending his career with MLS.
Speculation is that the New York Red Bulls covet the French international.
"It is something I'm thinking about," Vieira told RTL Radio. "What interests me could really be a life experience and to go and discover football in the United States — if I was to continue playing."
Vieira has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons and seen his playing time with Inter reduced in kind.
Harder to stomach was being omitted from the French national team's roster for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Romania and Serbia.
But he still hopes to represent France at next year's World Cup in South Africa.
"My objective is really the World Cup," Vieira said. "It is difficult because I didn't make the easier choice by staying at Milan.
"But I believe in myself. The season still has a long way to go and I'm convinced I will play."
Vieira rose to prominence with Arsenal, for whom he played from 1996 to 2005, winning three English Premier League titles — one unbeaten — and four FA Cups.
He also has played for Cannes, Juventus and Internazionale.
Vieira has 107 caps with France, helping the national team win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
With files from The Associated Press
