Manchester City have released Patrick Vieira after opting not to renew the midfielder's contract.

Frenchman parts ways with club after 18 months at Eastlands

Manchester City have released Patrick Vieira after opting not to renew the midfielder's contract. The World Cup-winner spent 18 months at Eastlands after arriving from Inter Milan in January 2010. Frenchman Vieira, who will turn 35 this month, played a bit part at City last season, with most of his Premier League appearances coming off the bench. Many of his outings came in FA Cup and Carling Cup matches in a campaign that saw City lift their first major trophy in 35 years. Vieira's last appearance for Mancini's side came as a late substitute in their FA Cup final victory over Stoke. His next move is uncertain, with the former France international having been linked with clubs in the USA and Qatar. City boss Roberto Mancini is also thought to have offered the ex-Arsenal man a coaching role at Eastlands. Vieira, who enjoyed World Cup success with France in 1998, has also spent time at AC Milan and Juventus over the course of his career.