Pires clears up anti-war remarks

Pires had voiced his anger at the Middle East war on French radio, and it was then suggested that he would be prepared to hang up his boots until the matter was resolved.

France has been wholeheartedly against any aggression against Sadam Hussain and Pires was thought to have said that he and other French players would back their president by refusing to play football.

However, the former Metz man now insists that he would not stop playing despite being against the war.

"Reports in today's newspapers have not relayed my comments correctly," said Pires.

"Despite my views on the war in Iraq, I would like to make it clear that I remain totally committed to playing for Arsenal and I have never stated that I would stop playing for the club in a protest against war."