Who has Patrick Vieira managed and has Arsenal former captain been recommended by Arsene Wenger as replacement?

IT'S the moment that everyone knew was coming but it has still taken the football world by surprise.

Arsene Wenger has announced he will leave the club and the Gunners must now find a replacement.

Patrick Vieira has been mooted by the bookies as one of the leading candidates.

But does his managerial prowess measure up to his playing career? Here's all you need to know.

Who has Patrick Vieira managed?

Patrick Vieira got into coaching not long after his playing career finished in 2011.

But interestingly, none of his time coaching has been spent at Arsenal, with Wenger reportedly never offering his former captain a role.

And Vieira's start in coaching has come not from the Gunners, but from Man City and their Abu Dhabi-based owners.

Between 2013 and 2016, Vieira took charge of the Etihad club's reserves before getting his start in senior football management at their American franchise, New York City FC.

He has enjoyed moderate success with the club, ensuring they reached the MLS play-offs in both his two seasons.

Has Arsene Wenger recommended Patrick Vieira as his successor?

Despite the pair not always having the best relationship since Vieira's departure, ex-Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys believes Wenger has asked the board to appoint the former midfielder as his replacement.

But that does not mean Arsenal will follow Wenger's recommendation, with many on the board still having doubts.

Keys tweeted: "Sources tell #beINSPORTS that Arsene Wenger has recommended Patrick Viera to replace him. The Arsenal board are split down the middle on his advice."