Robert Pires (Reims, 1973) will live the Europa League semi-final in a very special way. The French defended the t-shirt of Arsenal on 252 times. From the English club he went to Villarreal, with whom he played 129 games. He is now a LaLiga ambassador, television commentator and advisor and reference at Arsenal.
How do you see this semi-final between your Arsenal and Villarreal?
I have been lucky enough to play for two great teams, such as Arsenal and Villarreal. I was lucky to have the affection of the people and the two clubs, so seeing them now face each other in a semi-final is something special. It makes me strange.
How do you remember your time at both clubs?
I enjoyed myself and had a great time with Arsenal, I won titles and they were six very good years. Then I went to Villarreal, with whom I really enjoyed playing and they were also four very good years. I enjoyed playing La Liga and being able to do it in a place like Villarreal, they were special years. Having that feeling of affection and having enjoyed so much in that time with both of them makes it very special.
But with Arsenal he won a lot …
With Arsenal I won titles, it was a club that always aspired to win and we did. We achieved the record of not losing in that league, it was impressive. For me it is a pride to have won with Arsenal.
And with Villarreal he was happy …
I couldn't win with Villarreal, but I'm very happy with what we did and how we did it. I suffered with the knee injury, it was something I had to fight with. But since I arrived I was happy, I enjoyed both training and games. It is something that I now say to young people: you are a soccer player, you should enjoy it and give thanks for being able to do it. Life is long, so you must enjoy all the things you live.
You played that Champions League semi-final on the winning side, with Arsenal. How do you remember it?
In that semifinal they put them on ties. We beat Madrid and Juve, but at Madrigal we experienced the most complicated game, the toughest of all. People did not know Villarreal, but we knew that they were a great team. We suffer until the end, if Roman gets the penalty we don't pass.
At that time you were already signed by Villarreal?
In the semifinal with Villarreal I knew that Villarreal and Pellegrini loved me, but nothing else. In that semifinal he was only waiting to win it, as it was. Although once it was all over, I was very clear that I had to go to Villarreal and Spain. I discussed it with my wife and my mother, they were both very happy with that decision. In addition, I saw that a great team was waiting for me and I did not hesitate.
Which player impressed you the most about his yellow move?
Cazorla, without a doubt. I was lucky enough to play with Roman, with what he means. But I don't know what happened, but once I saw Cazorla the first day, I already knew what it would be. That day I knew he was a phenomenon, today I am clear that he is one of the best Spanish players that I have seen.
Arsenal are not at their best. How do you see them?
The Arsenal is true that it is strange. I see the situation with sadness, I speak with Arteta and I see that it has not been an easy year. What can save them is to win this Europa League and thus play the Champions League next year.
How can you go back to what you were in your time?
I think Arsenal need an idea that gives them confidence, in Wenger's time it was key to have an idea, to be convinced of it and we had that. And also having a good mix of quality players, so we managed to put it all together. Hopefully Arteta can be the one who makes the team regain those good feelings.
Are you surprised to see Villarreal again there among the best?
It doesn't surprise me at all that Villarreal is back in a semi-final. We all know the Villarreal project, its president and his idea. What I like the most is that it is a team that has a clear idea, that they like to play good football and that is something that I and the football people like. Everyone knows that if you go to see Villarreal, you are going to see a good team, a team with very good players and that it will surely complicate things for Arsenal.
How do you see the Super League?
The issue of the Super League should go to the trash. I do not like. I don't understand it at all. Soccer is a sport for everyone, it is a popular sport. There cannot be a competition only for the rich. How can there be only that? No way. Soccer belongs to everyone. Football is the power to fight to grow, to win, to get to play in the Champions League or in the Europa League. Soccer is fighting to improve. An example of that is Villarreal, it is the example that there should not be a Super League. I don't want her at all.
Can you give me a favorite for the semi-final?
It is difficult to give a favorite for the semifinal. I would say 50%. It is difficult to get it right. I think Villarreal has an advantage because they have Emery, a coach who has done very well in that competition.
How can you reach a final?
To reach a final you must release your head and not have the pressure. Maybe Arsenal has an advantage in that, since they know what it is to play them and handle that pressure better. Villarreal has that fear of what has happened before, something that can take its toll on them. But Villarreal this time have experienced players and that can help them a lot.
Are you proud of your time in La Liga and at Villarreal?
I really enjoyed myself at Villarreal. I lived great games, I had a great time. La Liga is exciting, with great players and of great quality. It was different from the French or the English for the quality of the game, you played with great teams, an opportunity to enjoy playing against great rivals.
What is clear is that he will go to the final for sure, whatever happens …
I sure will be in the final. Whatever happens, it is clear to me that I will go to see it at the final. And I'll do it with one of my teams.