Arsenal legend eyes England return

(GSM) – Arsenal legend Robert Pires is eying a return to English football after returning to train with his former club.

Pires, who enjoyed six successful years at the London-based club, has been without a club since he left Spanish outfit Villarreal after the club refused to extend his contract.

The French midfielder, who turns 37 later this month, is grateful for the chance to train with the young Gunners and is hoping to find a new club in the near future.

“I spent six beautiful years at Arsenal. London became my home and I knew I would come back,” he told L’Equipe Mag.

“On a professional level, I can imagine continuing my career here.

“Arsenal have offered me the opportunity to train and I can’t thank Arsene Wenger enough.”

“I am working with the reserves and sometimes with the professional group, which is perfect.”

Pires admits that he will retire in January if he fails to sign a contract with a club despite his belief that he can still play ‘much longer’ than six months.

He prefers to stay in England and says he would be open for offers from any ambitious Premier League club or even a Championship outfit such as Queens Park Rangers.

“England is probably the place where I have the more chances to find a club,” he explained.

“In England, people don’t look at your age. In Spain it was not the case, which is why I had to say goodbye.

“Even for a club like Birmingham or Stoke City? Of course, if I have an opportunity from Aston Villa, I will rush.

“But I will analyse any proposition. I don’t want to go anywhere and fight every weekend for salvation.

“QPR? I would be attracted. I am not necessarily looking for a six-month contract. I could imagine myself playing much longer.

“I will give myself until January 31. If at the end of the winter transfer market I have not found a club, I will hang up my boots.”

And Pires believes that Arsenal, who have won nothing since 2006, are ready to end their trophy drought this term, saying: “This year I can feel the Arsenal group has reached maturity.

“I believe the players have grown, got experienced. Today that group can be candidates to win titles again.”