Robert Pires admits he is not perturbed by the lack of English
players in the Arsenal side.
The Gunners have advanced to the UEFA Champions League final with a
team heavily influenced by overseas players.
Only Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell are established English members
of the Arsenal squad, but the pair have been injured for large
spells this season.
The situation does not worry Pires, though, and the Frenchman
believes a Gallic influence is now prevalent within the Highbury
ranks.
"We have had a great Champions League run, but it is fair to say
Arsenal is a French team," Pires is quoted in the News of the
World.
"As soon as we reached the semi-finals, it was like having a France
side there.
"I know people say there are not enough English players in our
team, but that's of little importance to me.
"I can see some people worrying about it, but not me.
"When I signed in the summer of 2000, there were lots of English
players in the squad, but these days there are only two who play
regularly in the first team - Ashley and Campbell.
"Arsenal have had a French identity for some time now. French is
the language we speak in the changing room, more so than
English."
Pires is confident that the Arsenal fans are not concerned by the
dearth of Englishmen in Arsene Wenger's squad and insists it is
what happens on the pitch that counts.
He added: "Us French guys are proud to represent our country
through Arsenal.
"It's important for us and we like the fact we have contributed so
much to the club's success.
"Arsenal fans have got used to the situation and don't care about
the nationality of the team.
"It's what happens on the field that is most important to them.
However, other people see it is an issue."