<
>

Robert Pires, 41, looking for new club to prolong playing career

Robert Pires has told Le Parisien he still isn't ready to hang up his boots despite the former Arsenal star being in his 40s.

Pires, 41, featured for Indian Super League side FC Goa before Christmas, the latest move in a career which saw him win the World Cup and European Championship with France and two Premier League titles with the Gunners.

His former international teammates David Trezeguet -- who also played in India recently -- and Thierry Henry have both recently announced the end of their respective playing careers. However, Pires -- who is the last member of France's 1998 World Cup-winning squad still playing -- intends to continue if he can find a club.

Pires told Le Parisien: "The youngsters stopped too soon! That's the problem. 'Titi' and David are five years younger than me. They're too young to retire. You can't trust youngsters these days!

"I had a great time in India with eight matches and a goal for FC Goa. The Indians are still interested. They saw that I'm still able to be good. For the moment, I don't have anything else. So, if it doesn't work with India, I'll stop. Unless another opportunity comes up.

"Quite frankly, I think I can still give things to a squad and a club at a good level. So, if you're looking for someone, I'll study all offers with the necessary seriousness."

Pires won two league titles and two FA Cups in his six-year spell with the Gunners before leaving in 2006 for Villarreal, where he enjoyed a successful four-year stint.

Though he returned to England for a short stay at Aston Villa, Pires remains inextricably linked to Arsenal, where he maintains a relationship as he tries to keep up his fitness levels.

"I don't have the legs any more, that's for sure," he said. "But my vision, anticipation, my passing and precision are still there. I haven't put on a gram of fat. I still keep myself in shape. I train regularly with Arsenal thanks to Arsene Wenger, or by myself. I play five-a-side or eight-a-side with friends.

"I love football too much. I can't stop playing! Two years ago, when I was on holiday in Greece, the coach of Storm Rafina, a third division team, saw me on the beach. He asked me if I wanted to play with his team during a preseason game against AO Mykonos. I said 'Yes' straightaway. I came on at half-time. We were losing 2-1 and won 3-2 and I scored. I had so much fun!"