Vieira seriously considered quitting football

London, Jan 11 (ANI): Manchester City's new buy Patrick Vieira was close to quitting football during Christmas.

Former Arsenal team-mate Tony Adams has revealed that Vieira seriously considered turning his back on the game before his move from Inter Milan to City.

He also weighed up an option to jet over to the MLS for a David Beckham-style payday to end his career.

"I was with Patrick in Milan before Christmas. I talked to him and he was ready to call it a day to be honest. He was used to playing at the top. He said maybe he would look at the States," The Sun quoted Adams, as saying.

"His contract was running out. He was on a good deal at Inter but wasn't playing. But this opportunity has come along and he's taken it with both hands," he said.

Vieira's new side will be seven points behind leaders Chelsea if they beat Blackburn tonight. But the midfielder, 33, insists nothing is impossible after helping Arsenal claw back a 15-point margin on Manchester United in 1998.

Vieira said: "We can achieve something really special here. At Arsenal one year we won the title from 15 points behind at Christmas. Everything is possible. I still have dreams in football and one of them is to come back to the Premier League and win something.

"I want to convince the City board and the players and fans I've come here to give something to the club. I believe I still have a lot to give and this team is strong enough to win trophies."

Vieira cited the strength in attack as one of the main reasons he believes City can win the title. (ANI)