Robert Pires, FC Goa’s 41-year-old marquee player, is arguably the most popular footballer in the inaugural ISL. The easy-going and charming former Gunner — a key member of Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles — took time out to speak to The Hindu on Thursday.
(Excerpts)
What are your early impressions of the Indian players?
They have been good. They want to learn and play at a high level. They ask me a lot of questions. I am in India not for me. I have proved everything that’s there to prove in my career. I am here to help the Indians. I have a big role and I need to be a good example for others.
Is it difficult to play after coming out of retirement? You last played in 2012.
No. If your mind is ready, your body can follow. It’s simple. And I was training with the Arsenal first team before I came to India. It helped. I am fit to play and it’s good for my body.
How was it to be a part of the Arsenal team which went unbeaten for 49 games?
I was delighted to be part of this. Fans called us the Invincibles and it was a great memory.
There are reports of Arsenal playing FC Goa sometime next year. Do you want to play for FC Goa in that game?
Of course! If Goa organises a match against Arsenal, then I cannot imagine the atmosphere. I think the Goa stadium is small for that. But anything is possible. Especially in India (laughs).
Was it tough to be substituted after 18 minutes in the Champions League final in 2006? Jens Lehmann (goalkeeper) was sent off and Wenger removed you…
It was disappointing but not for this, but because we lost the final. Sometimes you get only one opportunity in life. It was against Barcelona. It was in Paris, in front of my family. It was a very badmoment.
You have played in Ligue 1, La Liga and the EPL. How do they compare?
I don’t like to compare teams or managers. I was lucky to play in all the three Leagues, but I think the Premier League is the best. In Spain there are only two teams, it’s the same in France. But in UK there are six or seven good teams and so the competition is very tough. Every weekend the games are difficult. Every year the [fight for the championship] is tough.
Pele picked you in his list of top 100 footballers and the Arsenal fans voted you the sixth best Gunner ever. How important are personal accolades?
For me in football it’s important to win a title together. Not alone. Football is a team game; it’s a game of 20 players. I don’t like when someone says ‘he is the best player’. I prefer to win a World Cup, Euro, Champions League or the EPL rather than a Ballon d’Or.
You had offers from Real. Why did you turn them down?
In 2000, three teams – Juve, Madrid and Arsenal – wanted to sign me. Mom asked ‘Why are you picking Arsenal’ and I said ‘I chose Arsenal because of Wenger. He is French and I think he understands me better.’ I think I made a good choice.
Tell us something about the Arsenal-Man United rivalry.
Games with United were always great. It was spirited and exciting and for me there was always a duel with Gary Neville, be it Highbury or Old Trafford. In Highbury the stadium was small, the dressing room and the tunnel too.
Remember the (Patrick) Vieira and (Roy) Keane incident — it was because the tunnel was too tight. I played with players like (Tony) Adams, (Ray) Parlour, (David) Seaman and they were good strong players with strong English spirit. So it was always a fight.
You have an admirable record in the north London derby against Tottenham…
Two things — I know why Arsenal fans love me and Tottenham supporters hate me. I played 11 games (against them) and scored eight goals. Yesterday, a fan clicked a picture with me and then said he hates me. I asked him why and he said he is a Tottenham fan. I said, ‘Okay, I understand!’
How has the support from Arsenal fans in India been?
I got a great welcome in Chennai and it was the same in Mumbai, Kolkata and Kerala.
You have been fouled a lot in the ISL. Has that been a little discomforting?
Now, I know and understand — the Indian players are watching the Premier League. But this is football. If they want to kick me, the referee is there. It’s the same in England.
