Arsenal links played down by Celtic's Brendan Rodgers, NYCFC's Patrick Vieira

Published on: 21 April 2018

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has said there is "nothing in" links to him replacing Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss, while New York City FC boss Patrick Vieira also distanced himself from the role.

Wenger announced his intentions to leave the Emirates this summer on Friday, ending a 22-year stay in north London.

Rodgers -- who has previous Premier League experience with Swansea and Liverpool -- is on the brink of winning a second straight title as Celtic manager, but the Northern Irishman says he is happy on and off the field in Glasgow.

"There's nothing really in it. I have always said I'm extremely happy here," he told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound programme. "I have three years left on my contract. I am loving every minute of being at Celtic from a professional perspective but also my life up here.

"I have a number of years left as a manager. I am 45, I probably look a lot older but, 45, and I'm enjoying my position here. It's a huge privilege for me to manage Celtic. It's a huge club with pressure and that's all I concentrate on.

"Arsenal is a fantastic club, very much similar to Celtic in terms of the traditions and values it has as a club, you can't deny that.

"It's a fantastic club but, for me, my only focus is on Celtic and doing the very best I can for them."

Vieira, the former Arsenal captain now managing in Major League Soccer, has also been mentioned, but he played it cool when asked by radio station WNYE.

"I spent nine years at Arsenal which makes the club really special for me," he said. "But that is not enough to coach the team. I am always flattered to hear my name linked. That is good for your ego, but at the same time, I am happy here."

Rodgers and Vieira's comments came after ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright claimed Wenger was sacked rather than choosing to go himself.

The Gunners have struggled in the Premier League this campaign and face a second season of finishing outside of the top four.

Wenger has come in for criticism from fans in the last year and Wright, who won the title during the Frenchman's early years at Arsenal, believes the club took the decision to end his long stay.

"Arsene Wenger is a man of principle, honesty and integrity - that is why I am convinced he has been sacked and not resigned," Wright said in The Sun.

"For all the vitriol and abuse thrown at him, Arsene has never been a man to walk out before the end of a contract.

"It is a sad situation that it's come to this and I don't suppose we will ever find out who is responsible, because they will hide behind each other.

"One day he is doing a press conference with no hint of this, the next he's gone. It doesn't add up."

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Source: espn.co.uk

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