Football FanCast guest columnist Lee Mathews would welcome Patrick Viera's return to England and feels that the Premier League has been a poorer place without him.

If there is one thing that Arsenal fans will happily point out, then it is no player ever leaves N5 and goes on to better things. Many feel the grass is greener, some only go to merely line their wallets, but the bottom line is a tinge of regret that seems to infiltrate out in statements a few months later on.

Flamini came out this week and was bemoaning his lack of first team action, which I'm sure did nothing but bring smiles to Arsenal fans far and wide. This was a move solely down to money, but what amazes me is the way players still look upon Serie A as the place to be. It is a desperate place to play your football, with smaller attendances than the Championship and it has lost the glamour that it once possessed. Flamini would have done well, before being attracted by the riches to look at the fortunes of another former Gunner, currently languished in Milan. Viera has become little more than a bit part in his time in Italy and in my opinion has been a sad fall from grace, from the best central midfielder I have ever seen at Arsenal.

I was amused to read this morning that apparently Roy Keane is coy about the reports linking Sunderland with his old playing adversary. The Irishman was full of praise and admiration for the player and you do sense that the story was more than just paper talk. There is no question that Viera's time in Italy, like Henry's now in Spain has seen both players fall out of the public eye and I feel it is tragic to see two of our greats in that light. The Premier League has been a poorer place without them and I often wonder whether Viera looks back to those last days at Arsenal, where his head was clearly elsewhere and wondered what could have been if he had stayed around - I firmly believe that the parting of ways did neither for either party as we have never recovered from losing his leadership, while the player has failed to set the world alight in Italy. My heart tells me he could still a job for Arsenal and fill our midfield void, but my head tells me that ship has finally sailed.

I honestly hope that Viera does come back to England, to a stage that is appreciative of his talents. It would certainly be strange seeing him play in England without the red and white of Arsenal, but I'm sure he is the one player whose return, will be greeted with great affection and good will. We respect our footballing greats at Arsenal and there are few that are bigger than Patrick Viera.

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