Footballer Robert Pires arrives to play in Indian Super League, Arsenal fans elated

The arrival of former Arsenal legend Robert Pires at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on late Monday night saw a great turnout as over excited fans thronged to get a first glimpse of the retired French international. Pires arrived to join his team FC Goa, of which he is the marquee player in Indian Super League's (ISL) inaugural season. 

Excitement started to build up when FC Goa tweeted about the suave midfielder's arrival, inviting his fans to give him a grand reception and get their chance to meet him in what seemed an interesting fan engagement activity.

The #Mumbai, come meet @piresrobert7 today at the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 11:00pm! @IndSuperLeague pic.twitter.com/B9ovnCKTIS

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) September 22, 2014

The gathering was attended by close to 150 Arsenal fans and this surprised even Pires who had least expected to be welcomed by fans in a large number. 

Didn't know I had so manyfans in India!!! @FCGoaOfficial pic.twitter.com/HmVSVufeTU

— robert pires (@piresrobert7) September 22, 2014

The Gunners army swamped the midfielder and on seeing him went berserk, demanding autographs on scarfs, banners and other Arsenal memorabilia they had brought along to which he kindly obliged. The frenzied fans were not willing to let their childhood hero off so easily. 

This was the time they had waited for all their lives so clicking customary 'selfies' was almost inevitable as proud and joyous fans needed to brag about something to their friends.

 Arsenal fans were clearly starstruck trying to fathom the significance of meeting someone of a stature of Robert Pires. 

@piresrobert7 signed my poster. Invincible!! Thank you for a truly unforgettable moment. pic.twitter.com/myuTESbJOl

— Sumeet Bhagat (@OneRambo16) September 22, 2014

25-year-old Harshet Katyal, a banker and an ardent Gunner since 15 years was overjoyed and clearly couldn't believe that he was lucky enough to land a selfie with Pires. 

He said" I have never felt this good in my entire life. This is a dream come true as it's the first time I am meeting an Arsenal player (ex). I feel like crying and in a state of shock as I get myself to believe that this has actually happened. I have met several cricketers but this feels different."

Katyal said that, " Even though I am from Mumbai I will still support FC Goa only because of Pires'."  

ROBERT PIRES GAVE ME A FIST BUMP! @piresrobert7 @FCGoaOfficial pic.twitter.com/YB25OENfYT

— Harshet Katyal (@OoohToBeAGunner) September 22, 2014

 There was a sense of amazement amongst the young supporters who had always 'idol-worshipped' Pires,watching him play in EPL.  Nimitt Vora (20) is employed with GEPL capital but plays a larger and a more significant role in capacity of one of the administrators of the Arsenal Mumbai Fans Club (AMFC) on Facebook and Twitter. On the occasion he said "It feels incredible. I am at loss of words. Even though I knew his arrival time I came hour and half early as I was excited." 

Robert Pires just shook my hand, took a picture and gave me his autograph.. Can't believe it!! Thank you @Arsenal_Mumbai and @FCGoaOfficial!

— Nimitt Vora (@NimittVora) September 22, 2014

The moment @piresrobert7 signed the @FCGoaOfficial banner for me! Incredible experience! Still can't believe it. pic.twitter.com/lbAQUoVPPH

— Nimitt Vora (@NimittVora) September 23, 2014

Pires will play for the Goa franchise in the first edition of eight- team ISL and will begin training shortly under the watchful eyes of their legendary Brazilian coach Zico. 

After coming to a warm response from his fans, Pires sent a message.

Here's a message from @piresrobert7 after the awesome welcome at the #Mumbai airport last night! http://t.co/RuFcRPBhK2

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) September 23, 2014

Zico arrived thirty minutes later to meet the same energetic group who showed no signs of weariness. Now all football fans will be eagerly looking to see ex Arsenal player's magical touch in the ground.