Skip to content

Former Arsenal winger Robert Pires reveals his toughest opponent

Robert Pires of Arsenal
Image: Robert Pires spent six years with Arsenal

Robert Pires has revealed the toughest player he faced in his career was former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.

The duo clashed on several occasions during Pires' spell with Arsenal from 2000-2006.

And Pires explained to Sky Sports Snapchat Takeover why Neville was his hardest opponent.

£16.99 Month Pass Offer
£16.99 Month Pass Offer

New NOW TV customers: Grab a Sky Sports Month Pass for half price.

"He kicked me all game!" he said. "Old Trafford, Highbury, he was always shouting. It was normal because of the rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United."

Pires won the Premier League twice during his time with Arsenal and also reached the final of the Champions League in 2005/06.

He was also part of the France side that won the World Cup in 1998 and European Championship in 2000.

Gary Neville shouts towards Liverpool fans at the end of the Barclays Premiership match at Old Trafford
Image: Pires said Neville was

Asked to name the best player he played alongside, Pires said: "With the national team it would be Zinedine Zidane. He was one of the best players in the world and it was a privilege for me because I learnt a lot from training with him.

Also See:

"With Arsenal there was Thierry Henry but I think the best was Dennis Bergkamp."

Pires was joined on the Snapchat Takeover by former Germany and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, who also named his best team-mate.

Live Nissan Super Sunday

"As a young player it was Emerson at Bayer Leverkusen," he said.

"I learnt a lot from him, playing next to him was an incredible experience because he nearly never lost a challenge and he had such a good eye and such a good feeling for the ball and the space.

"I picked up so many good things from him, and in training too. He was an incredible player."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ahead of their Super Sunday clash, we look at some of the best goals from over the years from Arsenal versus Manchester City

Robert Pires will be representing France at the inaugural Star Sixes tournament - live on Sky Sports - in London this July

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets, which start at £30 for adults and £10 for U16s, are on sale now: www.theo2.co.uk/starsixes. Keep track of the latest Star Sixes info at facebook.com/starsixes or on Twitter and Instagram @StarSixes

Grab a Sky Sports Month Pass for half price, and let us knock your sporting socks off with a blockbuster month of sport on NOW TV. All for just £16.99.

Around Sky