Two-time Premier League winner Robert Pires has revealed how he demanded to leave Arsenal in 2006 after realising he was no longer an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s first team. Pires touched upon the “horrible week” that led to his doomed final days at Arsenal.
The Frenchman was one of Arsene Wenger’s key players during his six-year spell at North London. He was a regular starter in Arsenal’s dominant team under Wenger in the early 2000s. However, a turbulent period during what should have been the pinnacle of his career saw the exit door loom large.
He was naturally handed a start for Arsenal when they took on Barcelona in the UCL 2006 final, however, just 18 minutes into the blockbuster game Pires was sacrificed after Jens Lehmann received a red card. The decision to take off Pires prematurely altered the complexion of the match but the player was left shell-shocked at the manager’s decision to be subbed off.
While speaking to L’Equipe, Pires said, “At no point did I think I’d be the one coming off. I didn’t even look at Arsene. For me, he was going to take off [Alexander] Hleb or my friend [Cesc] Fabregas, because I could help in attack and I have that very good technical relationship with Henry. It’s not arrogance.”
Pires went on to state, “So I’m there, calm, super confident and Titi (Henry) tells me I’m the one coming off. And I said “What?” and I see the number 7 on the board. It’s awful. Awful!”
Arsenal eventually took the lead through Sol Campbell before the break. However, the man advantage was quick to work against the Gunners, and Barcelona turned the game around in the second period, lifting the UCL trophy after a 2-1 win.
Pires further explained that his premature substitution in the 2006 UCL final triggered an exit from Arsenal, “Of course the coach had to make a choice about who to bring off, but for me, it was a terrible moment and also proof that the coach did not trust me like before. It was so difficult for me to make a decision and I took a few days to do it. Two days after when I told him I was leaving… basically, it triggered my exit. “
Pires’ departure from Arsenal marked the end of an era as the former Marseille man had been a cornerstone of Wenger’s success. He joined Villarreal on a free transfer after failing to extend his deal at Arsenal.
