PANJIM: Former French international and Arsenal midfielder Robert Emmanuel Pirès, who has been signed as a marquee player with team Football Club Goa stepped on Tilak Maidan, Vasco for his first day of training with Brazilian coach Zico.
It’s an honour being coached by the legend Zico. I enjoyed my first day and the feeling is great. I’m excited about the ISL and I think it’s going to be a big success,” said Robert Pires post training session.
Speaking on his first hand experience of Goa and India, Robert said, “I received a warm welcome in Mumbai and in Goa it was nice to see so many fans, who came to welcome me. I didn’t expect it. It was a pleasure. Thank you very much for the love shown.”
Talking about his India move, French legend said it was his ‘second daddy’ Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger, who convinced him to come out of retirement and play in the Indian Super League.
The celebrated mid-fielder said Wenger is like his father and it was he, who encouraged him to play in India.
“He told me if you can play in India, you need to go. You love football and you have the passion, the message from Wenger for me was that you go. He is like my second daddy. For me it was very positive to work with him in the six seasons, so when I explained this project in India he asked me not wait,” the 40-year-old said.
“I retired three years ago but I am still training with Arsenal because I have a good relation with the club and Arsene Wenger. So it’s been easy to come out of retirement. My passion is football and I can still play. I am here, I am excited and I am looking forward to the league,” he said.
