Pires rages against the dying of the light

Currently training with us at London Colney former midfield favourite Robert Pires has given himself until the end of January to find another club or give up on the game.

'It`s no way to stop like that, because I have no club! I have football in my skin.' Pires told the French football magazine L`Equipe 'I feel great physically, if I sign for a club I can play immediately. Lots of people tell me to stop. I would stop but why? I do not feel like I'm worn out'

After a three year stint at Villareal it seems that Bobby wasn`t prepared for the idea that his career could come to an end just yet. 'I did not want to end my career this season ever. I give myself until 31 January. If at the end of the winter transfer window I do not have a club, I`ll give up.'

Though he had opportunities in the summer to play in the French league he now sees his best chance in England. 'This is where I am most likely to find something. In England they do not look at your age, in contrast to Spain. Sheringham has played up to 42 years and Scholes (35 years) and Giggs (36) in Manchester ... If I have a proposal from a club like Aston Villa, for example, I`d go for it. A Premier League challenge with Queens Park Rangers might be interesting. I will analyze each proposal, but I do not want to fight every weekend to avoid relegation.' Pires mused as he contemplated missed opportunities.

'I had two approaches this summer from Saint-Etienne and Nice. We talked but I was in a period of reflection and they were in a hurry. We left it there but I thank them for thinking of me. I have never turned down Caen as I`ve read, and I never reached the door of PSG or Marseille'

Accepting the end of your career when you`re convinced there is still something left to offer can be hard to come to terms with but another of the 'three musketeers' Patrick Vieira, as together with Pires and Henry they came to see themselves, is contemplating retiring at the end of this season when he`ll be almost 35. Some stories in France are suggesting that he has an understanding that he could take up a coaching role at Arsenal when his career ends.

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