France legend Patrick Viera has left the MLS league to return to his home country to manage Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.

The former Arsenal star takes over the reigns from Lucien Favre who left the club for Borussia Dortmund in May. The 1998 world cup winner leaves New York FC after two-and-a-half years with the club after he joined from partner club Manchester City.

Having been one of the many potential coaches tipped to succeed Arsene Wenger at Arsenal before Unai Emery’s appointment, the 41-year old Viera seems to have made up his mind on his next coaching destination with City’s website confirming the news. Interestingly, this will be Viera’s first role as a manager in Europe.

In his statement, the ex-Gunners’ star thanked Manchester City football group and the club’s chairman as well as New York FC for offering him the opportunity to lead the club. "Leaving New York is an incredibly difficult decision for me and my family and one that has not been taken lightly," he said.

Joining Viera at his new home is most of his New York FC technical team including Assistant coach Christian Lattanzio, performance coach Kristian Wilson as well as physical performance coach Matt Cook.