PIRES ADAPTING TO ENGLAND
Pires played in The Gunners' 3-1 FA Cup win against Chelsea which exploded into violence and could lead to both clubs facing FA sanctions.
"There are some really heated matches, sometimes I am even scared," admitted Pires.
"Here, the tackles are often late and to hurt the player. As an actor, it's terrible, so I have to be careful.
"To make up for it, I use technique and liveliness. I know some people doubted about my ability to adapt to English Football and so to succeed in Arsenal I had to change."
He said that he had to leave France because he did not get that involved enough in the French game.
"I chose Arsenal because in French team, I feel I stagnate sometimes. I never was consistent enough, that's why I am only substitute."
His former club, Marseille, are currently lying near the bottom of Le Championnat table and have major problems with some players leaving Pires glad to be with Arsene Wenger's side.
"When I see L'OM today, it's always the same chaos and the players everyday life is always so difficult," said Pires.
"In Arsenal, the atmosphere is the opposite. Here I am free in my mind. Working with Arsene Wenger is a very good thing, I am becoming more mature and I have again found a kind of serenity."
