The Frenchman, 39, was this week unveiled as the head coach of New York City FC in the MLS.
And despite spending nine trophy-laden seasons under Wenger with the Gunners, Vieira still rates the axed Chelsea boss higher.
Asked who he would pick to lead his dream XI, he said: “Jose. He’s the manager who had more influence on me.
“Arsene is more concentrated on his own team — he gives freedom to players to express themselves. It’s a different style.”
Vieira won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups in his spell in North London, including Arsenal’s incredible ‘Invincibles’ campaign in 2003/04.
The World Cup winner then moved to Italian giants Juventus — and later to Inter Milan, where he linked up with Mourinho.
And despite being shipped out by the Portuguese coach after just 18 months at the San Siro, Vieira claims he learned more in that time than he did with Wenger.
Speaking to the Times, he added: “He was the one who impressed me most on his work ethic.
“He knew everything about the opposition, the strength, weakness.
“His detail was unbelievable - everything was so clear about what he wanted from each player.
“I don’t know what happened at Chelsea but he always got the best out of his players.”
Vieira finished his playing career on the fringes at Manchester City, before being offered a role with the club’s development squads.
He has since been fast-tracked to coach City’s under-21s and now to American sister club NYCFC.
Vieira had long been touted as a potential successor to Wenger at the Emirates, but he revealed his old boss never made an approach.
He said: “I’ve never been contacted by anyone to manage or get involved with the club.
“I was expecting something from them, but it didn’t come. It didn’t kill me”
“He [Wenger] is a busy man. I didn’t speak to him in quite a long time.”
(c) The Sun
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