Pires finally decides - a two-year deal with Villarreal
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Pires finally decides - a two-year deal with Villarreal
Robert Pires has ended his six-year association with Arsenal after he joined Spanish side Villarreal.
The 32-year-old French midfielder, who won the World Cup in 1998, had hoped to extend his stay with the Gunners as they prepared for the start of a new era at the Emirates Stadium, but wanted the security of a longer-term deal rather than a 12-month extension which was on offer.
In all, Pires made a total of 284 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 84 goals following his £6million move from Marseille during the summer of 2000, when he also helped Les Bleus to European Championship glory.
The midfielder, named Football Writers' Player of the Year in 2002, was instrumental in the Gunners' recent success, helping Arsene Wenger's side to two league championships and collecting two FA Cup winners' medals.
However, his last appearance for Arsenal ended in disappointment when he was substituted after just 20 minutes of the Champions League final against Barcelona in Paris following the dismissal of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
Pires maintains he will only have fond memories of his time at Highbury.
He said: 'After six wonderful years at Arsenal, full of fantastic moments, I have decided to accept a new challenge at Villarreal for the next two years of my career.
'I am very grateful to Arsene Wenger, the players and all the fans for their amazing support over the years.'
Wenger moved to strengthen his midfield options earlier this week with the signing of Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky, 25.
The Arsenal manager, however, knows his squad will be poorer for the departure of Pires.
Wenger said: 'Robert has had six tremendous years with us and made a huge contribution to the team's success during his time here.
'He is not only a great footballer but a good man, so of course, we are sad to see him go.
'It is difficult to pick out one or two highlights - but he was superb in our double winning season during the 2001/02 campaign and contributed so hugely to our unbeaten season with 19 goals.
'I would like to thank Robert for the dedication, determination and passion he has shown and wish him well in his career.' -
my best wishes to him. thanks for everything.
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he should have stayed and follow bergkamp's footstep.
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frankly, i dun give a hoot where pires goes...he doesn't figure in the reds quest for premiership glory....
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then why bother to reply?Originally posted by weiqimun:frankly, i dun give a hoot where pires goes...he doesn't figure in the reds quest for premiership glory.... -
er.....let my pov be known...?
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Hope they dun transform Pires into a cheater.
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how to make a pot black??Originally posted by Patrik:Hope they dun transform Pires into a cheater. 
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Actually , one year with Arsenal , what's the problem ? And if he perform good for a year , Wenger might just give him another , so what's the diffference that Villeareal gave him ?
That's more politics than that , just that it's between Wenger , Dein and Pires .
I guess it's about money .
Villeareal maybe give him more money ..... compare to Gunners .
Actually , Pires should stay for another year , and make another assault at the UCL .
Like Henry . -
Pires' contribution has dwindled, and he wasn't the highest paid players in the world.. Villarreal gives him more job stability.
All the best Bob!You've been a great player to watch.
Let's bring Vieira and Pires back for the Bergkamp testimonial.One last glance at the 2004 Invincibles. -
not to mention marc overmars, petit, tony adams, etc.. i jus love the team of tat era! slick passing, lightning attack.. fascinating stuff!Originally posted by LazerLordz:Let's bring Vieira and Pires back for the Bergkamp testimonial.One last glance at the 2004 Invincibles. -
pires nt gd enuff for arsenal, aniway too many midfield liao, ljungberg, helb, fabregas, gilberto, now thomas.. nt to mention flamani will come to midfield soon, diaby, song..
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I think the pires of these few seasons didn't come close to the old pires of last time.. His form has definitely dwindled..