Arsenal icon Robert Pires wants to return to the club as a sporting director, reports Metro.
The former France international won two Premier League titles for the Gunners and was a key member of the legendary ‘Invicibles’ squad which went on an incredible 49 games unbeaten run in the league 13 years ago.
Pires, 43, only retired from the game last year and, despite playing for several clubs of his career, Arsenal remains in his heart.
Only last week, Arsene Wenger was criticised by former Gunner Patrick Vieira for not creating roles for ex-players at the club, but Pires is eyeing up a director’s role at the Emirates now he has retired.
When asked about the prospect of one day becoming Arsenal’s sporting director, the Frenchman said:
‘Yes, it is my objective.’
‘I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I need to talk about it with the owners and Arsene Wenger.
‘I’d love this job, I love to talk with the players. If I’m given this job one day, I can stay in contact with football, especially with Arsenal. I have a good relation with the manager, that’s important.
‘I can work with the players, I can give advice to the young players, so we can find a good relationship between me and the players.’
Although David Dein was the vice-chairman of the Arsenal board in the past, he was also the one who vigorously aided Wenger in getting the deal done at the club.
While a sporting director at a club is very common these days, the Gunners do not have one in place – and this is what Pires is aiming for.
Pires would fit the bill well, having been dubbed an Arsenal legend by the fans, and assist Wenger by identifying the players he believes could help the Gunners to future silverware.
It would be great to see Pires as the club again, even if it’s in the boardroom.
