Vieira Will Not Discuss Balotelli's Nice Future Before Pre-Season
New OGC Nice boss Patrick Vieira said he is "very excited" by the squad he's inheriting and has already spoken to out-of-contract striker Mario Balotelli about staying.
Patrick Vieira does not intend to discuss Mario Balotelli's future at Nice with him prior to pre-season training.
The former France captain was a team-mate of Balotelli at Inter and Manchester City, leading to suggestions he persuade the striker – who is out of contract this month – to stay at the Allianz Riviera next season.
Balotelli made his first Italy appearance since the 2014 World Cup this month, with talk of a return to Serie A consequently intensifying.
But Vieira expects the 27-year-old to report for pre-season training next month and gave little away about Nice's transfer plans.
"I called Mario Balotelli to wish him a good holiday and tell him we were going to meet on July 2, when training resumes," said Vieira at a news conference.
"But everything in time. There are a lot of dossiers to discuss with the president and [general manager] Julien Fournier."
Vieira added: "When I look at the squad, it makes me very excited. There is everything you need to succeed here.
"My career as a player no longer matters, it's in the past. The important thing for me is to have a clear idea of what I want from the players, a precise gameplan so they can express themselves, because the talent is there."
