Mikel Arteta heaps praise on 'remarkable' Patrick Vieira ahead of the Arsenal legend's first return to the Emirates as a manager with Crystal Palace

• Mikel Arteta has hailed Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira ahead of his return 
• Vieira's Crystal Palace travel to the Emirates to take on Arsenal on Monday night
• It will be the Frenchman's first visit to Arsenal's football ground as a manager
• Arteta labelled Vieira 'remarkable' and said the midfielder was one of a kind 

Mikel Arteta has hailed Patrick Vieira as ‘remarkable’ and one of a kind as he prepares for his first return to Arsenal as a manager.

Vieira brings his Crystal Palace side to the Emirates on Monday in what will be an eagerly-anticipated occasion and meeting of two of Arsene Wenger’s former captains.

Vieira won three Premier League titles, including leading Arsenal to the 2004 Invincibles triumph, and four FA Cups during his nine years as a player.

Arteta played against Vieira in one of his final Arsenal appearances – a 7-0 defeat for Everton at Highbury - and later during the Frenchman’s one-season stint at Manchester City in the final game he started in his career.

Asked whether he would have liked to face Vieira at his peak, Arteta smiled: ‘No!

‘He was very dominant. He was physically really gifted, technically too, he had the right temper, he was brave and he could score goals. He could do a bit of everything and he was remarkable.

‘He is an Arsenal legend and I hope he gets the reception he deserves for what he did for the club, not only as a player but also what he transmitted as a person. He was a captain of the club in the most successful era in the last many years and it is great to have him back.

‘To have him back and to welcome him and having his figure [back] and what he's been at the club. Recognising him the right manner, I think it's really important and I'm sure that that will be the case.

‘There have been some really good midfielders and Patrick was Patrick. There’s not going to be another one like him.’