NYCFC Head Coach Patrick Vieira Leaves for Ligue 1's OGC Nice

Vieira spent two and a half years in New York but leaves the MLS contender for Ligue 1.

New York City Football Club head coach Patrick Vieira has left the club to join OGC Nice. City Football Group had confirmed the news on Sunday evening, in a published post on Manchester City's website, but it deleted the announcement shortly after. NYCFC confirmed the development Monday morning.

Vieira joined NYCFC in the beginning of 2016 and led the team to two consecutive playoff appearances and finished in second place in the Eastern Conference both years.

"I would like to thank City Football Group and New York City FC for the opportunity to have coached this tremendous football club," Vieira said. "Leaving New York is an incredibly difficult decision for me and for my family and one that has not been taken lightly.”

“From the beginning, City Football Group and its leadership, particularly our Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Brian Marwood, Ferran Soriano and Marty Edelman have believed in me and have helped guide me through the last eight years of my career – starting with my time as a player and ultimately culminating with my first opportunity to manage a first team.”

NYCFC City did not announce an immediate replacement, but one is expected to be introduced shortly.

As for Vieira, the Arsenal legend will head back to Europe immediately, this time in preparation for the beginning of the new Ligue 1 season. The Frenchman will reportedly take most of his first-team staff with him.