Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has said he would be interested in managing the club “one day” but it would be “out of order” to entertain the idea until after Arsene Wenger had left.
Arsenal are set to miss out on the top four for the second season in a row and appear likely to have to win the Europa League in order to qualify for the Champions League.
“I think that if it is the end of the story, he’ll be the first to see it,” Vieira said.
“And I would like to add that given all he has done for the club, what he has built and what he has won, he has sufficient legitimacy to decide himself when he should step down. He has the right to take that decision himself.”
Asked whether he would be interested in the Arsenal job, Vieira said: “Let’s say that, one day, it could interest me. But one day.
“I can’t say any more because there is nothing to say about it and I certainly do not want to upset Arsene, who I adore and for whom I have a lot of respect.
“Because I know he is suffering enormously with the current results, more than hearing what his former players have to say.
“For me, it’s very difficult [to talk about], honestly. It’s very difficult because of the personal relationship I have with Arsenal, and also because that is just not done.
“I find the way in which people are positioning themselves is totally out of order. After, when the question is asked, I know full well they are obliged to answer.”
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