Patrick Vieira says he is flattered that Arsene Wenger believes he has the quality to one day manage a team the size of Arsenal.
Legendary Gunners boss Wenger hailed Vieira's start to management after he guided Nice to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1.
Wenger admitted he could see his compatriot, who was linked with the Arsenal job prior to Unai Emery being hired, one day managing the Gunners.
And Vieira has repaid the compliment, adding that should he one day get the top job at the Emirates he will treat his former boss to a meal.
"I'm really privileged to have worked under Arsene and him saying that is really flattering," said Vieira.
"If I manage Arsenal one day I will take him for dinner and I will pay the bill!
"He didn't say it to put pressure (on me). It's just flattering that the guy who spent over 20 years there thinks I have the quality to manage a big club like Arsenal one day."
Vieira is now in his third year as a manager after two years in the United States, where he was in charge of MLS side New York City.
The Frenchman added: "There is more pressure in Europe than in America but I really enjoyed all the difficulties.
"I'm finding my way but we finished the season seventh with the third youngest team in the league, with all our injury troubles on the field and no No 9.
"It's been challenging, but we did a good season. The progress is never enough because we always want to do better, but to finish in that position is really good."
