Robert Pires ready to fire for FC Goa

When France World Cup winner and Arsenal legend Robert Pires was approached for the Indian Super League, he asked renowned manager Arsene Wenger what to do?

And Wenger's response? "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'," Pires said on Tuesday.

And that's exactly what Pires did. On Tuesday, he was unveiled as FC Goa's marquee player at a city hotel here. "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 Tuesday night and was greeted by more than 500 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.

Pires had retired from football in 2011 after playing with Aston Villa. But his passion for the game hasn't changed. "I 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," the 40-year-old Pires said.

When asked if he knew a thing or two about Indian football, the 2000 Euro 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."

Having spent most of his career in the UK and a bit in Spain, playing in India will surely be a 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 he didn't join his teammate Thierry 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 felt 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."

Lastly, when asked about the current Arsenal team and if he is happy with 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 yes, I'm happy with what's going on at Arsenal.