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.'
