Former Gunner Pires signs for Villa

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has made his first signing, with former Arsenal attacker Robert Pires joining on a six-month deal.

After being released by La Liga side Villarreal in the European summer, Pires had been without a club but training with Arsenal for the last two months.

The Frenchman will add class, experience and creativity to a young Villa squad which have impressed so far under Houllier.

Pires, 37, will slot into the Villa squad and could be in action as soon as this weekend.

“It’s no problem for me to play on Sunday,” Pires told Aston Villa TV.

“I’ve been training with Arsenal for two months and I’m happy and in good form. I hope to be part of the trip to Blackburn.”

Pires is looking forward to his stint with Villa after a successful period with Arsenal’s ‘Untouchables’ side, alongside the likes of Thierry Henry.

“I spoke with Gerard at the weekend. Like me he is very happy because … he needs me, I need him. The team is young. I think it is a good mix,” he said.

“I can’t wait to play and put on that new shirt. It is very exciting.”

“I am very happy to join Aston Villa because it’s a big club in England … this move represents a new opportunity and a new challenge for me. I am very happy to start.”

Villa assistant boss Gary McAllister believes the signing will lift the squad dramatically.

“He is a proven winner. It gets thrown around a lot these days when people say they are a winner but he is a genuine article,” McAllister said.

“People thought he was coming to the end of his career but he went to Villarreal and did well there for several seasons.”

“For all the younger players … what a tremendous addition. The younger players can only learn from watching a guy like Robert on the training field.”

“He will gain respect but I am sure Robert Pires isn’t coming here just to be a player that everyone is going to stand back and admire.”

If Pires is not involved in Sunday’s trip to Ewood Park, he could make his Premier League debut against Arsenal at Villa Park.