Drogba: We'd take Vieira anytime
442 Staff - Tuesday 06 October 2009, 18:55
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has welcomed reports linking former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira with a January move to Stamford Bridge.
The 33-year-old Frenchman - who made more than 250 league appearances and won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his time at Highbury- was tipped to return to Arsene Wenger's side, with Tottenham Hotspur also in the frame - earlier this summer.
However, a move never materialise, with the midfielder opting to stay at the San Siro and fight for his place in Jose Mourinho's side.
But with Vieira's appearances for the Nerazzurri this season few and far between to date, the former Juventus enforcer has warned he will seek a move away from the club in January if his services are not utilised sufficiently.
After being spotted at Stamford Bridge taking in Chelsea's top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool on Sunday, reports in Italy suggested that Carlo Ancelotti sees Vieira as the ideal deputy for Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, who will be participating in the African Cup of Nations.
And Drogba, whose two assists helped defeat Rafael Benitez's side to send the Blues top of the table heading into the international break, says Vieira would be a welcome addition to the club's vastly experienced ranks.
"Patrick Vieira will be a good addition to our squad, if we can recruit," he told RTD.
"We know that we will lose two midfielders in January. John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien will be in Angola for the African Cup of Nations.
"We'd take him anytime. We played against him in pre-season in America. He was ready, in good form and match fit."