Vieira Rejected Real Madrid Move

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has claimed that he rejected the chance to move to Real Madrid before signing a new contract with the Gunners.

The French midfielder insists he is proud of his decision to turn down the glamorous and money spinning move to Spain to stay at Highbury.

"I had an offer through Arsenal to go to Madrid and, when they come in, you have to think about it, look what is going on," Vieira told The Times.

"But I am really proud of the decision I made because it wasn't for money. Maybe in football, people are not used to players saying: 'I'm happy, I don't need to go for the money'."

"Every year, people said I was going somewhere else, but why should I?"

"It is like anyone even if they are working in a normal office. Another company can come in and offer a better contract and he has the responsibility to go or stay."