Pires eases exit fears

By Lucas Brown  

Pires eases exit fears

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Robert Pires does not believe that Villarreal will suffer following the exit of several star players over the summer.

The French international picked up a knee ligament injury this time last year and was unable to enjoy the start of his first campaign in Spain.

This time around he is relishing the prospect and has not seen his enthusiasm quashed, even though Villarreal will be without the likes of Diego Forlan, Juan Roman Riquelme and Roberto Ayala next term.

"The key is to have a team that are united, have the ambition to win things and to reach the top," Pires said.

"That is what will make us so competitive.

"Sometimes you do not need to have the big names in order to win a trophy.

"Without Roman, Forlan or players like Ayala, you could believe that Villarreal will be less of a team, but the squad we have will play well.

"We had a great end to the season, despite missing several big name players."

After missing six months of last term, Pires is relishing the new season and hopes to be able to use his vast experience both on and off the pitch.

"The most important thing for me is to come back and play this second season alongside my team-mates and to enjoy another year in the Spanish top flight," he continued.

"I am very excited to be back and to help the team improve on last season and I think that we all have the same aim and desire.

"I have one year of experience in this league and if I can help the team by passing that on then that will be great. I will do it.

"I do not know if I will be the leader in the dressing room, but I will try to be. My intention it to help the team as much off the pitch as on it."