Vieira expects to end career at Arsenal

French midfielder Patrick Vieira, so close to a move to Real Madrid in August, now expects to end his career at Arsenal.

"I'm 28 and the way things are going I see myself finishing my career at the club," Vieira said in an interview published in the Sunday Times.

The France and Arsenal captain gave serious consideration to an offer from Real Madrid in August but in the end decided against it, saying he would see out the remaining three years of his contract with the London club.

He said then that the fans need not be concerned about his commitment to Arsenal and went on to help the champions set a record unbeaten league run of 49 matches which ended with a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford in October.

Vieira wants, however, to regain his best form after what he considers one of his less effective seasons since joining Arsenal in 1996.

"What I do have to prove is something to myself: that I'm still the best midfield player in the world," he said.

"This year I haven't been my best.

"But in the last four or five games I feel I've started to find myself."

He believes Arsenal can still defend their league title successfully despite Chelsea taking a seemingly unassailable lead in the Premier League.

"What makes you winners is really fragile and that's why it's important to take good care of it. If Chelsea lose one game you never know how they're going to respond," he said.

Chelsea were 11 points ahead of Manchester United with Arsenal, two points further back, looking to reclaim second place in their home game against Newcastle United later on Sunday.