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Robert Pires says Arsene Wenger encouraged him to take up the ISL assignment; calls him his second father

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Robert Pires, the star signing of FC Goa.
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With the footballing season fast approaching and the Indian Super League (ISL) barely three weeks away, franchisees continue to make important announcements about their marquee players and coaches.

It was a big day for FC Goa as not only did they make major announcements, but also unveiled their official team jersey.

The franchisee amidst a lot of excitement announced that former Arsenal legend Robert Pires and world class football coaches Zico would be their marquee player and coach respectively.

One of Cricket's most marketable athlete Virat Kohli is both co-owner and team ambassador. Also, present at the do was Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan who came in capacity as the club's 'first friend'. 

The training and preparations for the inaugural season of ISL are in motion as Zico and Pires both sounded confident on Tuesday at the press conference and jersey unveiling.

The French international and a former Gunner wasted no time coming on board for FC Goa. He said "I am happy to be in India and delighted to play and be a part of my new team. I want to thank ISL and for the opportunity to play under my boss, a legend, Zico."

He adds that he wasted no time in coming to India but before that he consulted Arsene (Wenger) when his new assignment came calling. “I asked (Arsene) Wenger on what to do,” said Pires. And he got just the encouraging response from his ex-manager. “He said, “Robert, if you can play in India, you need to go. You love football and your passion is always there. Don't wait, hurry up and go, it's a good opportunity.”'

 He was happy to hear from Wenger and gave a nod to be a part of this after which he was unveiled on Tuesday as FC Goa's marquee player at a city hotel. “To get a go-ahead from Wenger was really great for me because he is like my second father. That was all I needed to make up my mind,” said Pires.

The Frenchman arrived in Mumbai late on Monday night and was greeted by enthusiastic fans. “It was such a touching welcome at the Mumbai airport. I didn't know I had so many fans from Arsenal and FC Goa. I want to thank everyone who came so late at night to welcome me” he said on his twitter handle.

After retiring from football in 2011 post his stint with Aston Villa. "My passion for the game remains unchanged so it was natural for me to come play and compete. I still continue to train with Arsenal first team since I'm really close to Wenger. It includes a lot of physical training. And that's how I've maintained my fitness.”

On being quizzed about Indian football, the Euro 2000 winner said, “I don't know much about Indian football. But I know one thing — that your ranking is 158 in the world. So I know India needs a start. You need to progress. And for me, that was important. It's a very good opportunity for me to play against players from all over the world in this new league. Everything about this League is a positive for your country. It's a good opportunity, the level and quality of football will be good. I'm sure the season will be a success.”

He has had paying time in in the UK and a bit of it in Spain so playing in India by no means would be an easy task, an entirely different ball game. “I know the level is not the same as in the UK or Spain. I know it's going to be hot. But I'm ready for the challenge and have been training very hard for it. I'm like an ambassador for France and for FC Goa. Naturally, I have a lot of responsibility. There's a lot of pressure, but I like pressure. I'm here as a professional and not a tourist. I'm also here with the objective of winning the title,” said Pires.

Asked why didn't he join his teammate Thiery Henry by playing in the Major League Soccer (MLS), he said, “I did get offers from MLS and Qatar. But it didn't work out.”

With India getting the rights to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, Pires feels that the ISL couldn't have come at any better time. “It's not going to be easy to form a good team for the 2017 World Cup. And that's why I think India is going to profit immensely from the ISL. The various clubs will set up their academies which will nurture talent that will help in building an excellent team. Also I think that by getting in marquee players like (David) Trezeguet, (Freddie) Ljungberg and me, among others, it's going to be a delight for fans. It's a good opportunity for youngsters. It's good for everybody. And the best thing is that everybody around the world is talking about the ISL.”

When the French midfielder was asked about the current Arsenal team and his thoughts on the transfer activity, Pires said, “I know some fans aren't happy. I don't understand them. We spent our money on (Danny) Welbeck and (Alexis) Sanchis. It has made Arsenal a contender for the title. So yea, I'm happy with what's going on at Arsenal.

Pires believes that two months of this league is enough for  

 

The legendary coach

Zico who talked at length about the process of a team undergoing through evolution and how his expertise will make a difference said, "For Football to become a successful event it has to undergo through a process. India will also gain a lot and grow as the league will attract many foreign players. India has a lot to learn. India will keep playing for many years so the sport in the country will grow and players will eventually improve. This league will go on to produce some great players."

He hopes that he is able to make a difference as he says with conviction that it is his vision to inspire footballers and get good results for FC Goa. He said " I hope the Indian players grow under me."

The Brazilian legend said that India needs to follow the Japanese way of football where discipline made all the difference. On how he plans to bring about a change he said "I will teach them professionalism and inculcate a sense of discipline. If India needs to do well in Football then they need proper rest  and nutrition which  will help the team to grow."

The need for revival in Indian Football calls for a good coach and with that the question arises whether he would take up a coaching assignment with the national team? He says "I want to help FC Goa for now so that these players can get better and help India."

Zico is positive that Pires will display his talent like he has done in the past, bringing in a lot of experience and quality. The fans will be eager to see how Pires and Zico combine together to weave magic in the field. 

 

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