Saturday 19 November 2016 08:32, UK
Robert Pires met with Geoff Shreeves for his first full interview in English ahead of Arsenal's trip to Old Trafford on Saturday. The Frenchman talks about Arsenal's title chances, the magic of Mesut Ozil and what he used to do when things got feisty against Manchester United...
When Robert Pires invites me into his home for a chat I'm struck as to how similar resident and property are. Tall, elegant and probably older than they look! But then again that is no surprise with Pires. The man is still training, and holding his own with Arsenal's first team at the age of 43!
He chuckles when I ask him about it, explaining how Arsene Wenger invites him to train occasionally, and on international weeks like this one it's useful to have a body to make up the numbers. Pires carefully explains that he does not coach at Arsenal and has not been asked to by Wenger in any capacity. However, his former boss is very happy for him to pass on his experience to the current young Gunners.
That said, Pires feels this season Arsenal have more experience to mount a genuine title challenge. That is one factor, the other is Mesut Ozil. His eyes light up as he speaks of the German genius. Pires desperately tries to avoid comparisons with former players, but when pushed he can't help himself and admits he does see something of former team-mate Dennis Bergkamp in Ozil.
Given Bergkamp's god-like status within Arsenal folklore there is no higher praise. Pires says Ozil has always had the ability to read and play the game effortlessly at a superior level, but the key ingredient is that the Germany international has now added goals to his game. Pires wants to see him comfortably enter double figures for goals every season. When pushed further, he says Ozil is potentially the key component to Arsenal winning the title.
But what about their mental strength? Pires again points to the levels of experience within the squad, which should bring character and resilience with it. On that note, he says the upcoming game at Old Trafford will be a good test for Arsenal's momentum, which they have gathered since losing on the opening day against Liverpool.
On the subject of Manchester United, he offers an opinion on two of his fellow countrymen. He believes Paul Pogba is a world-class player and simply needs time to settle into the pace of the Premier League, while Anthony Martial's best position is up top.
When we recall the likes of Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Ray Parlour and Nicky Butt, and the physical battles that occured on the pitch, Pires says it's natural to be physical when two giants collide.
Where was Pires when things got feisty? "Hiding in the dressing room," he says.
Stay tuned across all Sky Sports platforms to see Geoff Shreeves' full interview with Arsenal legend Robert Pires ahead of his former side's trip to Manchester United this weekend.
