Vieira back to full fitness for World Cup

France midfielder Patrick Vieira has vowed he will be fighting fit for the World Cup after a season marred by injury.

France midfielder Patrick Vieira has vowed he will be fighting fit for the World Cup after a season marred by injury.

After completing his move from Arsenal to Juventus during the summer, Vieira saw his excellent early season form slump as he struggled with strained stomach muscles.

But he has gradually fought his way back to near full fitness and played for 45 minutes in the 1-0 win over Mexico in a World Cup friendly in Paris on Saturday.

"I feel fine now," the 29-year-old said Tuesday at the French training camp outside Paris ahead of their penultimate World Cup preparatory match against Denmark at Lens on Wednesday.

"The start of my season in Italy was great, but after that I had problems and that handicapped me until the end of the season.

"But I am really happy with the way I finished the season with Juve. I've had a few days break and now I am with the French squad. My muscle problems are a thing of the past."

The only cloud on Vieira's horizon were the reactions of the Stade de France crowd during the game against Mexico when several players were booed.

"But we are getting used to this sort of thing. It's disappointing because they were against players who have done much for the French team," he said.

"Some of them even won the World Cup (in 1998). A player like Fabien Barthez is a living legend and to boo him is really a shame."