Arsenal's Robert Pires wants to play for Benfica next year!!!!

[I-like-Chorico]

Arsenal's Robert Pires, wants to sign a longterm deal with Benfica!
He's upset Arsenal only want to sign him for a one year deal.
Pires managed to score 14 goals, in limited action, He's still awesome.
too bad he can't rejoin his brethren on the Portuguese NT

Here's his skysports interview - they are reputable.

Robert Pires has indicated that he would be open to a move to Portuguese outfit Benfica.

The Arsenal star is out of contract at the end of next season, and has been disappointed with the club's insistence at keeping to their policy of only offering one-year deals to those players over 30 years of age.

The mercurial French winger has again enjoyed an impressive season, and, even though Jose Antonio Reyes has encroached into his starting berth at times, has still bagged a remarkable 14 Premiership goals.

However, with contract talks not yet forthcoming at Highbury the future of the 2002 Footballer of the Year remains open to debate, and Pires has been linked with a host of top clubs across Europe as a result.

Pires admitted that interest from Spain and Italy had been flattering, although opened the door to a surprise move to one of Europe's lesser leagues due to his family connections.

"If there is interest from Benfica it could create an interesting situation," said Pires.

"My dad is Portuguese and he would love me to finish my career there.

"I've been linked to Barcelona and Inter, I'm proud clubs like them are interested."

Source-Sky Sports
http://skysports.planetfootball.com...l&channel=World

[Razor]

My last memory of seeing Pires play was when France lost to Greece at the Alvalade at Euro, during which Pires completely mailed it in from the opening whistle. He stunk up the joint that day on a team that was full of crappy performances. If I heard he wanted to come to Benfica three years ago, I'd be thrilled; but I'm not so sure it's the right move right now.

Still - I haven't seen many Arsenal games this season, so perhaps it was an aberration? I suppose I'll take Pires over Joao Perreira/Geovanni.

Tough to say...

[I-like-Chorico]

My last memory of seeing Pires play was when France lost to Greece at the Alvalade at Euro, during which Pires completely mailed it in from the opening whistle. He stunk up the joint that day on a team that was full of crappy performances. If I heard he wanted to come to Benfica three years ago, I'd be thrilled; but I'm not so sure it's the right move right now.

Still - I haven't seen many Arsenal games this season, so perhaps it was an aberration? I suppose I'll take Pires over Joao Perreira/Geovanni.

Tough to say...Razor,
Pires, only 3 years back, was Footballer of the year.
He's certainly been in the middle of contraversy, with Arsenal and the French NT ...and the issue has almost always been playing time [he doesn't feel he gets enough]. Anyways, Pires still has very good offensive instincts - decent speed, great runs into the box, and the uncanny ability to get open.
His 14 goals in limited action testify to this guy's talent - which doesn't go away over night.

Pires would be a great addition to Benfica's attack, and would look great occupying the place of Geovanni or a Carlitos for that matter - especially since they secured their CL place. The Problem is his price tag [he isn't gonna be had cheap] and the fact that there's probably 25 clubs across the world (epl, serie a, la liga, superliga, even maybe an arab league) who'll fork over the big cash for a high-profile talent like Robert, make this more a possibility than a probability.

If Benfica manage to sell off a Luisao, and/or a Miguel, then Pires could well be a recruit for the Red Devils.

[RedEagle]

No more over rated, over priced superstars.

Giovanni has earned that spot this year with his play in the second half of the season. He's infinitely cheaper, than Robert Pires would be.

[Timmy]

Agreed with Red.

I take a bit of solace in knowing that Pires has started these rumors.

If he wanted to play for Benfica so badly, why is he only willing when Arsenal is giving him the boot? Let's go after fellas with fire.

Red: Have you seen the #10 for the Revs play yet? I saw that he was named MLS player of the week. Paper was giving him credit for pulling the strings in the Revs attack. If Benfica had Johnson on their radar, then I imagine they are scouting him too.

[RedEagle]

Agreed with Red.

I take a bit of solace in knowing that Pires has started these rumors.

If he wanted to play for Benfica so badly, why is he only willing when Arsenal is giving him the boot? Let's go after fellas with fire.

Red: Have you seen the #10 for the Revs play yet? I saw that he was named MLS player of the week. Paper was giving him credit for pulling the strings in the Revs attack. If Benfica had Johnson on their radar, then I imagine they are scouting him too.

Fantastic player, that #10 from the Revs. Him and Twellman really got it going on. I'm also a fan of Guevara, but he's older I think. How is that guy from New England?

[Timmy]

If you mean age, he was in the Adu draft class. I believe he is 22.

[Timmy]

ABola is reviving this story again.

[Fee-Go]

Pires is good, but Benfica will have to pay double for him. They canfind a Pires alternative in any mid table Brazilian club for half the cost.