Robert Pires is leaving Champions League finalists Arsenal for a two-year deal with Spanish side Villarreal, the French winger confirmed on Thursday.
”After six wonderful years at Arsenal, full of fantastic moments, I have decided to accept a new challenge at Villarreal for the next two years of my career,” the 32-year-old said on the English Premiership side’s website.
”I am very grateful to Arsene Wenger, the players and all the fans for their amazing support over the years,” he added.
Pires has been consistently linked to the Yellow Submarines, who were knocked out by Arsenal in the Champions League semifinals and finished seventh in the Primera Liga.
Gunners boss Wenger said of his compatriot: ”Robert has had six tremendous years with us and made a huge contribution to the teams success during his time here.
”He is not only a great footballer but a good man, so of course we are sad to see him go. It’s difficult to pick out one or two highlights but he was superb in our double-winning season during the 2001/02 campaign and contributed hugely to our unbeaten season with 19 goals.
”I would like to thank Robert for the dedication, determination and passion he has shown and wish him well in his career.”
Pires made 284 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions during his six seasons at Highbury, scoring 84 goals.
But he missed out on the 2006 French World Cup squad, having fallen out with coach Raymond Domenech. — AFP
