Pires - Why I
bought a Highbury Square flat
By Chris Harris
Robert Pires used to be a Highbury hero; before long he will be a
Highbury resident.
The Frenchman joined Villarreal last summer after six years in
north London, but his affection for Arsenal remains undimmed.
That's why Pires has bought a flat at Highbury Square, the
residential development which is taking shape at the Club's former
home.
"I was so attached to the Club and everything that it brought me
that I bought a flat at Highbury," Pires told Arsenal's matchday
programme. "I will use it when we stay with my family in London and
later if my children want to study in London they will have a
pied-à-terre.
"Buying a flat in Highbury is a symbol of my affection for the
Club. To have a flat on the ground where I once played, which holds
so many fond memories for me is something very special."
Pires capped a glittering Arsenal career with a goal in the
last-ever game at Highbury last May. The Frenchman's early strike -
his 84th for the Club - set up a 4-2 win against Wigan which
clinched a Champions League spot for Arsène Wenger's side. Pires
has fond memories of that day.
"I think about that game quite often," he said. "It was the last
match at Highbury and it was very emotional. Highbury was
legendary. Im proud to have scored a goal there at the last ever
game.
"I was given the photo of my goal celebration as a memento. Im
jumping in front of the Clock End, with the fans dressed in red
T-shirts celebrating the last game. I framed that amazing
picture."