Wenger hails Vieira as one of the English game's finest

LONDON COLNEY, England, Mar 27 (Reuters) Arsene Wenger hailed former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira as one of English football's finest players today.

Vieira will return to London as a Juventus player for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg after moving to Italy last year for 13.7 million pounds (23.9 million dollars).

Wenger also believes that although his fellow Frenchman will always be remembered for his nine years at Highbury, it is now time for the young team he left behind to move on.

''Patrick will always be a great player for us. He gave us nine fantastic years,'' Wenger said.

''Even today when somebody finds a good midfielder they say 'we have signed the new Patrick Vieira.' ''I believe as well that not one player asked 'who do you think is the best midfielder in England?' has not answered 'Patrick Vieira.' ''The club can be proud of the influence we had on Patrick's career. He went on a high. The last ball he kicked was the penalty that won us the FA Cup and that was something fantastic for him. And we will always remember that.'' YOUTH POLICY Wenger said that although he was sad to see the influential midfielder leave London, it made way for the next generation of Arsenal players to progress through the ranks.

He is confident the new, young guard can repeat their first knockout round upset of Real Madrid to eliminate the Serie A leaders.

''I believe this guy had a fantastic influence on English football and we are grateful for that (but) they have a good opportunity to show that they are as good if not better and they have to take that,'' Wenger said.

''When you have a youth policy, the final step is to make room for the players who grow in behind and without that you cannot have a youth policy.

''Was it right to sell or not is not even a question that bothers me all,'' he said.

''I just know that Cesc Fabregas was ready to play,'' he added referring to the young Spanish international who has taken Vieira's central role at Arsenal.

''They have a big respect for Patrick, but during the game they will just want to show they want to win the game.

''For us it is a massive opportunity to make something special again.'' Reuters SI BD2140