Pires: I'll replace Riquelme

By Laurent Picard  

Pires: I'll replace Riquelme

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Robert Pires is feeling positive about life at Villarreal and has vowed to replace club legend Juan Roman Riquelme.

Pires had to wait eight months before making his Liga debut following a knee ligament rupture, and he marked his return to action with a goal in last month's 2-0 victory over league-leaders Barcelona.

Now 33 years old, the former Arsenal winger knows many have been sceptical about his ability to make an impact at the club, but he claims he is revelling in the pressure.

And with Villarreal still searching for a replacement for Riquelme, who joined Boca Juniors on loan in January after falling out with the club, he believes he can fill the Argentinian's boots.

"I feel great," he told football365.fr. "I have been back for a month and it is always great to react and bounce back after a serious injury.

"People think that I am finished because I am 33. It is a big boost for me - a challenge. The end of the season with Villarreal can be interesting for me.

"The chairman is looking for someone to replace Riquelme, and that someone is me.

"I feel a positive pressure, and that will permit me to have a lot of fun."

Pires had not played a professional game since Arsenal's defeat to Barcelona in last season's UEFA Champions League final, and he admits scoring a goal and winning the game on his Villarreal debut surpassed his hopes and expectations.

"I had to be patient. I had already suffered this injury in 2002.

"But I have just lived a wonderful moment. Honestly, my aim was to start the match against Barcelona. I couldn't have dreamed of such a scenario.

"After two consecutive defeats, we welcomed the chance to play the leaders. They dominated the first half, but we finally won 2-0 and I had the chance to score the first goal.

"When I was substituted in the 65th minute, I received a standing ovation. It was a magical moment.

"It is a strange feeling because my last official match was against the same team. A year ago, I lost the final. Today, we have beaten them and are back in La Liga."