Vieira:“I knew straight away that it will be a fight in every single game”

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has re-ignited the rivalry with ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane after taking a cheeky dig at the latter's jersey. The former France international also said that he was 'much better' than Keane as a player.

Vieira made the comment while talking about the rivalry between the two legends of the game during their face-offs on the pitch. Presented with Keane's jersey in the BT Sport series at Palace's training ground, Vieira jokingly refused to touch the jersey but shared his admiration for the fellow Irishman.

The former Arsenal player featured for several big clubs during his time as a professional footballer, including successful stints with AC Milan and Juventus. However, his rivalry with former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane was one of the fiercest of the time. Back then, the two Premier League clubs were at their best in the European football world, managed by the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

The two rivals had a bitter relationship on the pitch throughout their professional careers with a number of aggressive faceoffs in their home and away games. The rivalry softened down following their retirement and they met unofficially during many footballing events.

Speaking about his special rivalry with Roy Keane while being presented with his jersey, Patrick Vieira said on BT Sport's What I wore coverage:

"That's why I put my hand in my pocket, I don't want to [touch] the shirt. From the first game [against Keane], I knew straight away that it will be a fight in every single game."

He continued:

"So I loved the way he was on the field, it was massive respect. And he was a leader, he was the captain of the team, he was the one who was driving the team and the players to compete at the level he was, challenging the players."

The former France international also shared his admiration for Roy Keane despite their bitter rivalry on the pitch. He added:

"I admire him as a captain and I knew that would be one of the battles to try to win when you're on the pitch."