Houllier hope Pires could be his Yoda and
guide the Luke skywalkers at Villa Park.
Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is relying on Robert
Pires to help nurture the club's exciting crop of kids after
signing his French compatriot.
Ex-Arsenal star Pires, 37, has become Villa's oldest outfield
player after joining until the end of the season on a free
transfer.
Houllier made Pires his first signing since becoming Villa
manager to bolster his injury-ravaged squad and utilise his
enormous experience after over 200 Gunners' games.
Pires is nearly twice the age of many of Villa's young starlets,
such as Nathan Delfouneso, 19, Barry Bannan, 20, and Marc
Albrighton, who turned 21 yesterday.
And Houllier explained: "Robert is an experienced player with a
good mentality and he can help the players here, particularly our
younger players.
"I believe he can bring a lot to the team and I'm delighted to
welcome him here."
Pires was a free agent after leaving Spanish club Villarreal in
the summer, having gone there in 2006 from Arsenal.
He boasts a superb CV after winning two Premier League titles,
three FA Cups and the 2002 Footballer of the Year award during his
spell at Arsenal from 2000-2006.
That included being a member of Arsene Wenger's famous
'Invincibles' who never lost a game en-route to the 2003-2004
title.
Now Houllier is hoping the Pires' attitude will brush off on his
young class of 2010 after the Frenchman recently got in shape at
his old club Arsenal.
Pires said: "This move represents a new opportunity and a new
challenge for me. I am very happy to start.
"I had a good opportunity two months ago to train with Arsenal
so thanks to Arsene Wenger for that. "But now I can't wait to play
and put on that new shirt, it is very exciting.
"I am very happy to join Aston Villa because it's a big club in
England. "I am also thrilled to have the chance of working with
Gerard Houllier - I know him."
