Robert Pires is delighted to have been offered the opportunity to extend his career at Aston Villa.
Veteran French midfielder welcomes second stint in England
Robert Pires is delighted to have been offered the opportunity to extend his distinguished career at Aston Villa.
Gerard Houllier has snapped the French midfielder up on a free transfer following his release by Spanish giants Villarreal over the summer.
The World Cup winner was unable to find new employment by the time the 2010/11 campaign got underway, but kept plugging away and spent a few weeks training with former employers Arsenal in an effort to keep fit.
His commitment paid off when Villa came calling and he made his Premier League return in last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Blackburn.
Pires admits he always hoped he would be given an opportunity somewhere, despite being 37, and is thankful to Houllier and Villa for having faith in him.
"I could have hung up my boots in January, but it would have been very difficult to end things that way," he told
L'Equipe.
"I wanted to remain in Europe and my only option was England.
Experience
"I knew I wouldn't get an offer from Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid or even Lyon. It seems I am too old.
"Here, though, people don't look at your age. Aston Villa officials wanted me because of my experience."
Pires' second outing for Villa is set to pitch him against Arsenal, the club where he spent a glittering six years between 2000 and 2006.
He admits it will be emotional facing Arsene Wenger's side, but insists he will show no mercy to the club he once helped dominate English football.
"The match against Arsenal? It is strange because a week ago I was training with them," he said.
"I won't do them any favours. Villa's chairman is paying me now!
"I never expected to end my career at Arsenal, even though I trained there for two months. It was a nice dream but things were very clear between me and Wenger."
