Time to grow up: Vieira has urged the Manchester City striker to mature

 'There is a lot of pressure on him because he moved from Milan to Manchester at such a young age and he is also away from his family.

 'You help people who want to be helped, that's why he needs to grow up. I am not his babysitter but at City we have a duty to help him settle. I try to make him understand he is a role model.

'I do a lot of work in City's academy and the young players all want to be like Mario - that's why we need to find a balance.'

Vieira had also been monitoring Robin van Persie before Holland's exit on Sunday as part of his brief for Roberto Mancini. Manchester City are prepared to offer Van Persie big money to swap the captain's armband at Arsenal for the prospect of a Barclays Premier League title.

Vieira said: 'Robin van Persie will make the best decision on his future. He is 29, with a year left on his contract, and can make his choice.

 'At Arsenal the team play for him and the arrival of Lukas Podolski should help convince him that Arsenal want to  challenge City, Manchester United and Chelsea again.

 'It is difficult because, when you see players like Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leave, you begin to question whether they want  to win trophies.

'It is difficult to believe that Arsenal are such a big football club and they haven't won  anything since 2005 - now there is pressure. They need to win something to have respect worldwide.

'Podolski will be an important signing because he has the mentality Arsenal need. They have been lacking leadership on the field.'

It makes sense, but that has always been one of Vieira's virtues.

« Previous1234Next »