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Vieira explains City switch

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 08/01/2010
Football betting

Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira is heading to Manchester City to try and secure regular first-team football to ensure his selection for France's squad for the World Cup finals.

The 33-year-old has become frustrated by a lack of opportunities at Internazionale and is set to join the Citizens on an 18-month deal, linking up with former San Siro tactician Roberto Mancini.

Vieira explained his reasons for heading to Eastlands, telling Canal Plus: "I want to go to the World Cup and I need playing time.

"I have objectives and I can't achieve them by staying at Inter where I am not part of the coach's choice.

"What's important for me is to go to Manchester City, to show the coach that I am the same as I was during the period when he was at Inter. All this will help me get into the France team."

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Fulham's Bobby Zamora is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after it was confirmed that the striker has dislocated his collarbone.

The in-form striker was forced off in the early stages of the second half of Tuesday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Stoke City.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed that he has failed in an attempt to sign Australia international striker Scott McDonald from Celtic.

The 26-year-old is reported to be valued at around £4million by the Bhoys, having scored 65 goals in 128 appearances for the SPL powerhouses.

Sampdoria's sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has insisted that his club are highly unlikely to allow star striker Giampaolo Pazzini to join Chelsea this month.

The 25-year-old Italy international is rumoured to be near the top of the Blues' wanted list, but Marrotta is not keen on a deal until at least the end of the season.

Worcester have announced that they have agreed a two-year deal with the Toulon star Luke Rooney.

The 26-year-old former Australian rugby league player will fill the gap left by Chris Latham, who is set to end his association with the Warriors at the end of the campaign.

Saracens have vowed to back their director of rugby Brendan Venter, who has been charged by the Rugby Football Union following his comments at the weekend about the standard of English refereeing.

The club's chief executive officer, Edward Griffiths, has defended Venter's comments and is disappointed with the RFU's stance

Rory Best has not given up hope of returning to action before the end of the season.

It had been feared that the Ulster and Ireland hooker would play no rugby this term after he was forced to endure serious neck surgery last summer.

However, his recovery is going well and it is hoped he could return to action for the climax of the 2009-10 campaign.

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