Pires acknowledges Juve links
Robert Pires has revealed how Arsene Wenger put the block on him moving to Juventus alongside Patrick Vieira last summer.
The Frenchman admits he was tempted by the prospect of joining the Italian giants but is happy to have remained at Highbury.
“This summer there were really close contacts with Juventus,” Pires told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
“But I had another year’s deal with Arsenal and Wenger wouldn’t let me leave.
“It wasn’t my decision, but I’m happy it happened because many people told me I would have problems in playing, instead I am playing and Thierry Henry continues scoring thanks to my assists.”
Pires will discuss extending his Arsenal stay even further in January, and has ruled out ever joining another Premiership club.
“In January I’ll meet Wenger and the club, and we will talk and we will decide,” he added.
“Should I have to leave, I wouldn’t stay in England. I’d like Italy or Spain. But for now I will concentrate on Arsenal, then we will see.”
