Sad Farewell as Pires Leaves Arsenal

The announcement today that Robert Pires has agreed a two year deal with Villarreal will sadden and disappoint all Arsenal fans and deprive the Premiership of a player who, like the retiring Dennis Bergkamp, had more than a touch of genius about him.

There are so many memories. The speed with which he managed to erase any lingering concern about the departure of Marc Overmars. That unique shambling running style of his. The superb technical quality and vision of his passing. The courage and commitment which helped him fight back from serious injury. And some wonderful, magical, unforgettable goals.

Robert’s book ‘Footballeur’, first published in 2003, concluded with these words: “I have two years left on my contract at Highbury, taking me to the summer of 2006, but why not stay beyond that? If it was up to me, I’d sign on for three, four or five more years. The club will decide whether or not they want me, but I hope I get the chance to run out at our new stadium at Ashburton Grove. My dream is to be a Gunner for life.”

Well Arsenal did want him, but the club’s policy of offering only a one year contract to players over the age of 30 – a policy even the great Dennis Bergkamp accepted – eventually proved to be an obstacle that even his friend Thierry Henry’s decision to commit himself to Arsenal could not overcome.

There will be no acrimony at his departure – just widespread regret and deep gratitude for a gifted player who contributed so much to the team and gave such lasting pleasure to the fans, to whom he was known affectionately as ‘Bobby Pires’.