Pires makes French apology
Robert Pires has apologised to France coach Raymond Domenech.
Robert Pires has apologised to France coach Raymond Domenech as he chases an international recall.The Arsenal veteran has not played for Les Bleus in the past 12 months after criticising Domenech in an interview.
Domenech has persistently overlooked Pires since that moment, with reports suggesting he was waiting for the player to say sorry.
Pires has now apologised for his outburst, but insists Domenech had not demanded such a course of action.
Instead, the midfielder was repentant for his words and is now hoping the matter is water under the bridge.
"I had a conversation with the coach a few days ago," Pires told TF1. "I wanted to apologise.
"I said things during a bad period in my life, but I never wanted to hurt the squad.
"He (Domenech) did not ask me to apologise."
With the argument now seemingly over, Pires is hoping he will be rewarded with a recall to the French squad.
Pires is desperate to play in the World Cup finals next summer and has drawn inspiration from the international comeback of rugby union star Thomas Castaignede.
He added: "Thomas Castaignede's return gives me a lot of hope. Actually he is the one who told me to talk to the coach.
"I still believe I can make it for the 2006 World Cup."
