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As Patrick Vieira rocks back into his chair at the UCL Champions Festival in Istanbul, there is both great pride and excitement at what is set to unfold over the next few days.
The former World Cup, European Championship, Premier League and Serie A champion is preparing to watch two of his former clubs - who he both served with much distinction - in action in the Champions League final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on Saturday night.
Vieira won three consecutive Serie A titles with Inter Milan during a highly decorated three and a half years at the club, while he helped Manchester City secure their first major trophy in 35 years with the 2011 FA Cup final win over Stoke, before going onto coach at the club for four years.
The two European giants are set to do battle on Saturday evening after energy-sapping campaigns that has City on the verge of becoming just the second English team ever to achieve a historic Treble after their arch-rivals United in 1999.
‘For me, it’s about trying to enjoy the three days I will spend in Istanbul and like any other fan, I want to watch a good game of football,’ Vieira exclusively told Mail Sport having partnered with travel expert and UEFA Champions League Official Supplier Expedia Live ahead of this year’s final.
Patrick Vieira is in Istanbul for the Champions League final between Man City and Inter Milan
The legendary Vieira featured for both Inter (left) and City (right) during his illustrious career
Vieira has partnered with travel expert and UEFA Champions League Supplier Expedia Live
‘Obviously playing for both City and Inter you always have a feeling for them. Both teams will stick to their principles so it’s difficult to say who will win.
‘It was a really good period for me at Inter. A well-run football club, a lot of passion and a really strong fan base with a culture of winning titles.’
A slightly cruel irony about this final is as Vieira watches two of his former sides - one having previously won a Treble, and the other, chasing the historic achievement - is that during Inter Milan’s trophy-tastic 2009-10 campaign, he departed midway through to move onto City, meaning he missed out on the celebrations.
But it does mean the Frenchman has a unique insight into what it takes to complete such a feat.
‘It was a team full of warriors (at Inter),’ Vieira explained. ‘A team of strong personalities, a team of special talents and a team of competitors.
‘The side was built to win games, win when playing well and win when not even playing well, with a talented
