Pires reveals exit hurt

Robert Pires says he left Arsenal after realising that he was no longer a key man.

The French winger ended a glory-laden six-year spell in North London to move to Villarreal, with the Spanish outfit offering him a two-year deal to outstrip Arsenal who stuck to their rigid policy of offering one-year deals to players over 30.

Pires' departure marked the end of an era for The Gunners as the former Marseille man had been a cornerstone of Wenger's success, winning the Footballer of the Year award in 2002 and playing a key part in Arsenal's unbeaten season in 2003/04.

However the 32-year-old suffered a loss of form this season that saw Jose Antonio Reyes preferred at left midfield on a number of occasions, and Pires says Wenger's decision to withdraw him when Jens Lehmann was dismissed in the final of the UEFA Champions League was the final indication of how he had slipped in the eyes of the French boss.

"Suddenly I was on the bench," said Pires.

"Of course the coach had to make a choice about who to bring off, but for me it was a terrible moment and also proof that the coach did not trust me like before.

"It was so difficult for me to make a decision and I took a few days to do it.

"It was not easy. I've had six fantastic seasons at Arsenal and we played the kind of football I love with pace and tempo.

"But I have to say I have had some disappointments this season. For instance I was on the bench very often."

With Pires departing, Wenger has now been linked with a move for FC Cologne's left winger Adil Chihi as he looks to build on the previous acquisition of Tomas Rosicky.

Chihi, 18, has yet to play for the German side but is in line to make his international debut for Morocco against Mali on Sunday - in a similar vein to Arsenal and England starlet Theo Walcott.

The Cologne youngster signalled his burgeoning quality in the Fifa World Youth Championship in 2005 and has reportedly impressed Wenger's scouts with his performances in his club's reserve side this season.