Vieira was the bookies’ favourite to take over at Southampton.
Former Manchester City EDS manager Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira has appeared to rule out the prospect of leaving New York City FC this summer.
Vieira has been linked with the vacant Southampton position this week, having begun it as the bookmakers’ favourite for the role.
The Frenchman has since been overtaken by Mauricio Pellegrino, however, with reports suggesting the Argentine is set to take over at St Marys the coming days.
And speaking to Goal on Tuesday, Vieira all but cleared the way for Pellegrino – or other – to take the Saints reins.
“I’ve been in the game for quite a long time, and my head and my mind is really focused on what I want to achieve and what I’m trying to achieve with New York City,” he said.
“It’s always flattering – I don’t say it’s not. It’s always flattering to be linked with clubs, but at the end I know where my head is.”
Vieira, who represented Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan during a glittering playing career, has been in charge of New York City for the past 18 months and led them to the Major League Soccer Cup play-offs in his first season at the helm.
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira [right]
It is, however, the 40-year-old’s first senior managerial role, after he previously led Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad.
Pellegrino, in contrast, began his management career at Valencia five years ago and has also bossed Estudiantes, Independiente and Deportivo Alaves.
Southampton favourite Mauricio Pellegrino
Southampton parted company with Vieira’s compatriot Claude Puel earlier this month.
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