Finally, after ages of hushed whispers
and several snorts of disbelief at the news, Goa has accepted that they will be
able to witness first-hand the talented displays of Robert Pires grace the
local turf. Though the former Arsenal legend retired in 2011 after a stint with
Aston Villa, he has re-emerged atage 40 to feature in the new tournament.
Joshuah Vaz, a professional footballer and coach with a
Futsal academy, believes “It’s an honour to have one of the members of the
Arsenal Invincibles side come in to play in our beloved Goa. But having already
retired and coming out of it just to play in the ISL, begs the question, how
good will Pires be compared to the other marquee signings?”
Pires made a total of 284 appearances in his six years at
Arsenal and was part of the famous 2004 Invincibles side that won a total of
five major trophies. Sullivan Noronha, a writer and FC Goa fan, says “Robert
Pires, for me, was one of the best wingers in the world and my favourite
Arsenal player to date. He’s blessed with immaculate vision, precise passing,
pace and the ability to put the ball into the back of the net. Hence, his
acquisition for the Goa franchise, our home team is wonderful, because he’s a
champion player and can help this team achieve results, and also because he is
a Gunner.”
So whether an Arsenal fan or not, brace yourself along with
the rest of the state as Goa sets itself up to witness one of the all-time
greats dazzle audiences.
