Pires puts Metz return on hold

By Patrick Haond  

Pires puts Metz return on hold

Related links

Teams

Players

Robert Pires has ruled out a return to Metz this summer, but the Villarreal midfielder is leaving the door ajar for the future.

The former France international spent six seasons with Metz before leaving for Marseille in 1998.

Les Grenats' promotion to the top flight next term sparked talk that Pires could rejoin the club over the summer.

But the 33-year-old feels it will be 2008 before he is in a position to discuss a move back to Metz and fulfil a promise made upon his departure.

"When I left Metz, we told the chairman Carlo Molinari that we will sign again later. I never close a door," Pires told radio station Europe 1.

"That move is not topical, but I think about it.

"I will be very clear. In 2007/08, it won't be possible. We will talk again about that in April 2008.

"In the past I set 32-33 to stop playing football. Now I am 33-years-old, and I can go on playing, I still have the desire and feel fun. I believe I could go on for three more seasons."