FC Goa marquee player Robert Pirès may not have been on the pitch as he was serving out his suspension for two matches. But the former France international and Arsenal legend was very much there in the stands of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda along with his son Theo who was wearing an Arsenal jersey, to spur his team on to their first victory in the Hero Indian Super League. Pirès was in an ecstatic mood as he raced onto the field to congratulate his teammates after the final whistle.Speaking to indiansuperleague.com after the match, the Frenchman was all smiles as he said, “I think getting the first victory of the tournament is very important. We played well against Chennai, NorthEast United and Kolkata but we did not win. Hence, tonight it was important to beat Delhi Dynamos and we did, playing good football. Tonight is Goa’s night and I hope we kick the season on from here,” the ex-gunner enthused.Pirès admitted that it was a difficult proposition to sit out in the stands and follow the action on the pitch from a distance. “It was very difficult to sit there. It’s my job to be on the pitch with my team. Now that my suspension is over, I’m ready to face Kerala Blasters,” he said, adding that it’s not only him who matters but all the other players who give off their best in every match.The 1998 World Cup winner said the first win was just reward for both players and coach Zico who was working hard to develop the team. “The spirit and mentality of the team was good. There was good commitment to come back after going a goal down, so I’m happy it paid off for the guys. I’m very happy for Zico as well. He’s working hard to build a good team,” Pirès observed.When asked about the two young Goan wingers – Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai -- who ran their socks off for the team, Pirès was full of praise for them, saying India has a bright future in these lads. “It is not easy to play on the flanks. I know, because I’ve played on the left for a very long time,” he averred. “They are both young. With Romeo and Mandar, Goa and Dempo have a bright future.”
