After ending the 2000/01 season empty-handed, Vieira made where he saw Arsenal within the standings of European football. The Gunners captain said: "As far as I'm concerned, the matter is resolved. I am leaving Arsenal and I have made that perfectly clear." But despite consistent interest from Real Madrid, Vieira was talked into staying before eventually departing for Juventus in 2005.
Even though he signed a new contract the previous summer, the academy product was eyeing up the Villa Park exit door after six years of service. David O’Leary’s side finished an impressive campaign in sixth place and reached the semi-finals of the League Cup – but Barry still slapped in a transfer request.