Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira believes Jose Mourinho has had a bigger influence on him as a manager than Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman spent nine years with the Gunners and won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups as the heartbeat of Wenger's side before he joined Juventus in 2005.
After an unsuccessful spell in Turin he moved to Inter Milan, where he worked under Mourinho for just 18 months and left before the Portuguese tactician led the Serie A side to the Champions League trophy.
Although the ex-midfielder's stint at the San Siro was brief, Mourinho's methods had a profound impact on Vieira, who was recently appointed New York City FC manager.
"His detail was unbelievable - everything was so clear about what he wanted from each player," Vieira told the Times.
"I don’t know what happened at Chelsea but he always got the best out of his players."
When asked which manager Vieira would want to lead his 'dream team' he said: "Jose. He’s the manager who had more influence on me.
"Arsene is more concentrated on his own team - he gives freedom to players to express themselves. It’s a different style."
The 39-year-old took the reins at New York last November, despite speculation he could be offered a coaching role at the Emirates Stadium.
Vieira is adamant he has never been approached by the north Londoners but did hint he would have been willing to work for the Gunners.
"I’ve never been contacted by anyone to manage or get involved with the club. I was expecting something from them, but it didn’t come. It didn’t kill me.
"He [Wenger] is a busy man. I didn’t speak to him in quite a long time."
