Vieira thanks Neville

Vieira, who has not played for the Gunners since his knee operation three months ago, played the whole of the match against Manchester United at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium on Sunday.

Within 30 seconds of the start, United's Phil Neville clattered heavily into him, though Vieira feels this was the perfect way to prove his knee has fully recovered.

"Something like that is very important. When you take a tackle like that and get straight back up without any problem it's very reassuring," the Paris-based L'Equipe newspaper quoted him as saying.

"I now feel 100 percent ready to start the new season," the 27-year-old added. United won Sunday's match in a penalty shoot-out after the teams finished 1-1 at the end of play.

Vieira, an integral part of Arsenal's team, has won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups since joining the Londoners from Milan in 1996.

He says he will likely sign an extension to his contract this week, following months of lengthy negotiations with the club.

"To have a good season, all the problems need to be resolved. This one will be resolved some time this week, I think," Vieira said.

Patrick Vieira 

Nationality: French 
Date of Birth: 23 June 1976 
Place of Birth: Dakar, Senegal 
Height: 6' 4''
Weight: 11 03 
Club: Arsenal
Position: Midfielder