Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger backed Robert Pires to make an impact at English Premier League club Aston Villa amid today’s suggestions that the Frenchman was set to join Gerard Houllier’s side.
Reports in France said former Arsenal player Pires _ who reportedly rejected MLS team Philadelphia Union because the City of Brotherly love wasn’t beautiful enough _ was poised to sign a six-month deal with Aston Villa at the end of this week.
The 37-year-old currently remains without a club after leaving Spanish side Villarreal at the end of last season, and was recently training with Arsenal to maintain his fitness. Wenger holds Pires in high esteem after bringing him to Arsenal from Marseille in 2000 and twice winning the EPL title with the playmaker.
“To me, before his knee injury, Pires was the best left attacking midfielder in the world,” Wenger told L’Equipe. “With us he was just flying. Even if he has lost the speed of his youth, he can still help at Aston Villa thanks to his knowledge of the game.”
Back in May, the midfielder had been linked with a move to the expansion Union, before doing an about-face and told Sport.co.uk “It does not please me. I do not want to be difficult, but left to take my family away, I’d rather do it in a beautiful city. Otherwise, I will put an end to my career.”
Guess his career will have at least one more stop, this one not in MLS. If Philly didn’t measure up, I suppose Birmingham will suffice.
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