Patrick Vieira knows he was taking a risk with his move to Manchester City.

The former Inter Milan midfielder is back in the Premier League five years after leaving Arsenal.

"Shortly after Roberto Mancini took the reins at Manchester City we were in contact," Vieira told L'Equipe.

"He knows me well. He asked me about my situation in Milan and my intentions. I told him I would be leaving in order to find first-team football and to keep my World Cup dream alive. He was attracted by the possibility of signing me, as I have considerable experience in the Premier League.

"But when you have spent so much time at a club like Arsenal and you were lucky to win everything and play some of the best football of that time, there is obviously a risk in coming back to England and putting your reputation on the line.

"Today I am not the same player I used to be at Arsenal. But to me it was an easy decision to come back to England.

"Today I won't attack as much as I used to. Rather than making 10 box-to-box runs in a match I will only make five. But my experience allows me to make those runs at the best times. I use my mind more now.

"I have lost some pace, but I was not a marathon runner at 20 so I won't become one at 33!"