Pirès (L) and Trezeguet are all set to fire in the Hero ISL.Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha is confident that fellow Frenchmen Robert Pirès and David Trezeguet will add further success to their storied careers during their time in India. Pirès and Trezeguet, who were both part of France’s triumphant 1998 FIFA World Cup and 2000 UEFA Euro Championship squads – Pirès provided the assist for Trezeguet’s ‘golden goal’ winner in the final of the latter tournament – have been signed as marquee players for the upcoming Hero Indian Super League (ISL). Pirès will turn out for FC Goa while Trezeguet will play for FC Pune City.“Pirès is a class player and a player who is enjoyable to watch so it's a real pleasure to see him commit to the Indian Super League,” Saha said in an interview with British broadcasters Sky Sports.He and Pirès are both graduates of the FC Metz academy, and briefly played together in the senior squad before the latter moved to French powerhouses Olympique de Marseille and then became a household name at English giants Arsenal. Saha assured Indian fans that his former teammate is raring to go. “I know that Robert is a very motivated player. He wants to play, he wants to enjoy his football and he's missing it so he will definitely bring that enthusiasm,” Saha said of his compatriot. He also paid tribute to the pedigree that Pirès brings to his football, citing the Arsenal legend’s past successes and his innate desire to win. “He's a winner and you have to keep that in mind because it's a tournament and he will want to win it."Saha was similarly full of praise for Trezeguet, who has also had a glittering club career with famed French club Monaco and, most notably, at Italian titans Juventus. Trezeguet has had an enviable scoring record throughout his career, and Saha was quick to highlight his fellow striker’s goal-scoring prowess."I think David will have a pretty similar impact (to Pirès) because I know that he really wants to score goals, so you can definitely expect goals from him,” enthused Saha, adding that he could see Trezeguet “break the 20-goal mark” in the tournament.He also promised Trezeguet would bring the same focus and passion for the game as Pirès. "You can also expect dedication and I think on the side he will definitely try and teach the youngsters. He's always played the game with a smile on his face,” Saha said. Despite not being able to join his compatriots and play in the ISL himself due to his other commitments, Saha signed off by conveying his best wishes for the new league. “I wish India and the ISL to do really well and I will be surprised if that is not the case!”
