Pires pens new Villarreal deal

Frenchman signs one-year extension

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 27th March 2008

Villarreal Robert Pires

Pires: New deal

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Robert Pires has signed a one-year extension to keep him at Villarreal until the summer of 2009.

The French midfielder joined Villarreal from Arsenal in May 2006 but missed a large chunk of his first season with a knee injury.

He has established himself as a regular this term, making 26 appearances to aid Villarreal in their push for the Spanish league title.

The 34-year-old's contract had been set to expire at the end of June but coach Manuel Pellegrini has decided to reward his good performances with a new deal.

Pires has made no secret of his desire to stay at Villarreal and there had been reports in the Spanish media that he would request a two-year deal.