Sissoko: Vieira inspired my switch to Newcastle

According to Daily Mirror new Newcastle signing Moussa Sissoko has decided to move to Premier League club as he grew up watching Arsenal’s games and admiring the performances of his countryman Patrick Vieira.

The midfielder revealed watching the entertaining performance of the French players in Arsenal’s Invincibles (Henry, Vieira and Pires in particular) made him dream of joining the Premier League side. “I have always wanted to play in England. It is the league that suits me the best. When I was a kid, I was very impressed by Arsenal with all their Frenchmen: Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. I was 10 or 11 years old. That team made me dream. They won everything.”

Sissoko who has been touted as “new Vieira” by the French and English media said that he was impressed with sheer power, technical mastery and mental strength of Vieira. The example of his great countryman was a key factor in deciding to make a switch to Newcastle. “I loved Thierry Henry and above all Patrick Vieira as we played in the same position. He radiated such power. He could cross the whole pitch with the ball at his feet. In midfield, he was the boss. Moreover, there was Highbury, with the fans so close to the pitch. I would have loved to play there.”