Bayern Munich and Austria star David Alaba has revealed that he idolised Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira when he was growing up, and was a fan of Arsenal when they 'dominated everything' 10 years ago.
Alaba is one of Europe's most sought-after youngsters, excelling at Bayern in midfield and defensive roles since breaking into the first-team via the German giants' academy system.
The 23-year-old has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona in recent years, and is expected to play a key role for Austria at Euro 2016 given his nation's new-found status as dark horses to win the tournament.
While Alaba is happy at Bayern having signed a contract extension in March to extent his Allianz Arena stay until 2021, the defender told France Football he was a fan of Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' 2003/04 side and the team that reached the 2006 Champions League final.
Asked who his childhood footballing idol was, Alaba replied: "In the first place, Patrick Vieira. What a player!
"He inspired me through his presence, his style of play, his strong personality.
"I was a fan of Arsenal, who dominated everything around 10 years ago.
"I only had eyes for Vieira. Our styles don't resemble each other particularly but in this position he's an example, notably in his way of imposing himself in duels."
The Gunners have made one big-money signing from Germany this summer in Switzerland international Granit Xhaka, who joined from Borussia Monchengladbach for £34million before Euro 2016.
