FC Goa's marquee player from Season 1 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) and a member of the invincible Arsenal side that went through the entire 2003-04 season unbeaten in the Premier League, Robert Pires announced his retirement from the game earlier this week. Pires brought down the curtain on an illustrious career at the age of 42 after lifting three FA Cups with Arsenal as well as two premier league titles and FA Community Shields.The former France winger, who lifted the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the 2000 UEFA European Championship, played a crucial role in FC Goa's run to the semi-finals in the Hero ISL's inaugural season both on and off the pitch as he guided and mentored the Gaurs' youngsters. His former FC Goa team-mates sent out their best wishes to the Frenchman through indiansuperleague.com."I'm happy that Pires ended his career in India. He gave it his all here in Goa and I wish him the best of luck for the rest of his life," said FC Goa left-back Narayan Das.Pacey winger Mandar Rao Dessai also paid tribute to Pires. "I'm very happy for the man because he had a wonderful career. But it wasn't very surprising considering his age. I knew it was coming, it was just a matter of time. But the fact I'm glad about is that his last club in an exceptional career was FC Goa, and that's something even he will remember for the rest of his life," Dessai said.Meanwhile, Gaurs custodian Laxmikant Kattimani said: "Feeling sad that we won't get to see him playing again but that's life. He may have some other plans in life and I would like to wish him all the very best and good luck for his future."The veteran winger definitely left a mark on his FC Goa team-mates, further proved by the glowing remarks from Romeo Fernandes. "Pires was a leader on the pitch both during matches and in training, always setting a standard for the others to achieve. He was a very good man too. Always helping, always teaching. He was an inspirational character who helped me become a better player," said Fernandes when asked what it was like to be working with Pires from close quarters.The standards set by Pires in training sessions drew plenty of praise from Dessai. "Considering Pires' experience in football I can only think of good things to say. As a person he was more of a mentor to the team, always teaching the boys. Dedicated in training even at such a developed and final stage of his career was a surprising thing to see," Dessai said.Das was also awestruck by Pires' dedication towards the game. "Robert Pires was a world class player. It was an honour for me to play with him. He was a complete midfielder and could play anywhere in the middle of the pitch. He had the chance to go elsewhere but his decision to come to India and help develop the sport speaks a lot about his character," said the 22-year-old left-back.Dessai looked back fondly on his time with one of French football's all-time greats. "If I had to choose one, it would be the day in training when I wasn't having my best day but Pires had a chat with me, told me how he tackled his hard days in training and motivated me to perform better. Coming from a player of his calibre, it definitely had an impact on my performance thereafter."Das also reminisced about his training sessions with the 42-year-old. "Pires taught me a lot during our training. Having been a winger for most of his career he shared his knowledge on how to attack on the flanks and tips on how to co-ordinate with the midfielders. Being a wing-back it definitely helped me become a better player going forward," Das said.For Fernandes, however, it was a dressing room chat from Pires that left a lasting impression on him. "Playing an entire season with him obviously added a lot of experience. If I had to share an experience, it would be the day in the dressing room where he motivated us at half time and helped us improve our game for the remainder of the game," Fernandes said.