Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira has bought a 2.5 million-pound mansion with its own wine cellar at swanky Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

"Many of today's footballers don't drink. But the wine cellar is really impressive with exposed brickwork and a great, atmospheric feel," The Daily Star quoted a source, as saying.

"Many footballers are happy to rent but he was determined to buy. He absolutely loves the area and feels right at home in Alderley Edge. The villagers leave him and his family alone because they are used to having footballers living on their doorstep," he added.

The luxury home has seven bedrooms and four bathrooms, one of which has a sauna.

It also has a cinema room and a games room over the double garage.

It comes with all the latest hi-tech gizmos and the finest fixtures and fittings money can buy.

The 33-year-old French footballer has pledged his future to the club by setting up roots in the North-West after joining City in the January transfer window from Italian giants Inter Milan.

"Patrick has shown his commitment to the club by laying down roots in the area," the source said.

"His team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor lives just round the corner and other nearby neighbours include United's Rio Ferdinand and Everton's Tim Cahill."He is really happy there. It is secure and is surrounded by high walls," he added.

"At the entrance there are electronic- ally-operated solid oak gates and an intercom system. It has everything you could possibly want." (ANI)