Strasbourg coach Vieira was in charge of Nice before he left for Crystal Palace.
Former Manchester City striker Balotelli told So Foot: "I lived in Villefranche and it was crazy. I had a smile every day because mine was a dream life, really. The problem was the way Patrick Vieira wanted to play.
Advertisement
Advertisement
"It didn't really suit my characteristics. I didn't have any problem with him, I found it good, simply on a sporting level but I didn't agree with what he said.
"If I hadn't had these problems with him I would never have left Nice. I was really happy there."