Patrick Vieira has stepped down as manager of NYCFC in order to join Nice.

Reports in France last week said Vieira had agreed to a three-year contract, and Vieira confirmed his departure on Sunday night.

"I would like to thank City Football Group and New York City FC for the opportunity to have coached this tremendous football club," he said in a statement on Man City's website. "Leaving New York is an incredibly difficult decision for me and for my family and one that has not been taken lightly.

"From the beginning, City Football Group and its leadership, particularly our Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Brian Marwood, Ferran Soriano and Marty Edelman have believed in me and have helped guide me through the last eight years of my career -- starting with my time as a player and ultimately culminating with my first opportunity to manage a first team."