ISLW

Bio

Robert Pirès is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have graced Arsenal Football Club. He was voted as the sixth best player in the club’s history by Arsenal supporters. Pirès won three FA Cups and two Premier League titles with the North London club. The second league title, in 2003-04, saw Pirès play a starring role in a squad famously dubbed ‘The Invincibles’ after they went the entire season unbeaten.

Pirès started his career at the academy of French club Reims, before moving to FC Metz’s youth academy. He made his senior debut against Lyon in 1993, and, in the following season, was recognised as the Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Year. After spending six seasons at the northeast club, he moved to French giants Marseille, where he spent two seasons.

His career-defining move came when he signed for Arsenal in 2000. During a trophy-laden and successful spell with Arsenal, he scored 62 goals and showcased great playmaking ability from either wing or behind the striker. Pirès was included in the Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year in 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04, and was named the Football Writers’ Association’s ‘Footballer of the Year’ in 2001-02.

In May 2006 he left Arsenal to join Spanish club Villareal. After spending four seasons in Spain, he returned to England, playing for Aston Villa for one season.

Pirès’ also had a glorious international career with the French national team. He won the 1998 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2000 UEFA Euro Championships. He was named Player of the Tournament in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. In all, Pirès made 79 appearances for ‘Les Bleus’, scoring 14 times.