Post by Salem6 on Oct 18, 2003 9:15:45 GMT
Arsenal ace Robert Pires has revealed that he turned down a move to Chelsea this summer to sign a new deal at Highbury.
The French star revealed that moneybags Chelsea made an approach to take him across London to Stamford Brige, but that it was an 'easy decision' to reject their overtures.
"They made me a proposition and wanted to sign me, but I preferred to stay at Arsenal. It was an easy decision to make because I love playing for Arsenal. I always wanted to stay at the club," Pires told the Evening Standard.
Pires insists he has no regrets over his decision to snub Chelsea and sign a new three-year deal at Arsenal as he believes they could have problems in the future keeping their star-studded squad happy.
"With the number of quality players who have come to the club, Chelsea have made it clear how much they want to win the championship. That is positive for the players and positive for supporters. It shows ambition," said Pires.
"However, you also have big players who are used to being first choice and everyone wants to play. That is normal. For the moment everything is going well.but the problems may come when Chelsea lose a game, when they suffer a defeat."
The former Marseille winger also admitted that he was unhappy with his form this season.
Pires was dropped by Arsene Wenger for the games against Manchester United and Newcastle last month, but returned to score the winner against Liverpool two weeks ago and he feels the rest did him good.
"Much of the problem was caused because I started my preparations later than many players because of the Confederations Cup," added Pires.
"When I asked Arsene Wenger why I was left out, he said he wanted to give me a rest, that I needed one.
"We discussed the situation and I accepted what he said. After that break, I played in Moscow and in Liverpool and felt much better."
Source:-
www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,1-1107671,00.html
The French star revealed that moneybags Chelsea made an approach to take him across London to Stamford Brige, but that it was an 'easy decision' to reject their overtures.
"They made me a proposition and wanted to sign me, but I preferred to stay at Arsenal. It was an easy decision to make because I love playing for Arsenal. I always wanted to stay at the club," Pires told the Evening Standard.
Pires insists he has no regrets over his decision to snub Chelsea and sign a new three-year deal at Arsenal as he believes they could have problems in the future keeping their star-studded squad happy.
"With the number of quality players who have come to the club, Chelsea have made it clear how much they want to win the championship. That is positive for the players and positive for supporters. It shows ambition," said Pires.
"However, you also have big players who are used to being first choice and everyone wants to play. That is normal. For the moment everything is going well.but the problems may come when Chelsea lose a game, when they suffer a defeat."
The former Marseille winger also admitted that he was unhappy with his form this season.
Pires was dropped by Arsene Wenger for the games against Manchester United and Newcastle last month, but returned to score the winner against Liverpool two weeks ago and he feels the rest did him good.
"Much of the problem was caused because I started my preparations later than many players because of the Confederations Cup," added Pires.
"When I asked Arsene Wenger why I was left out, he said he wanted to give me a rest, that I needed one.
"We discussed the situation and I accepted what he said. After that break, I played in Moscow and in Liverpool and felt much better."
Source:-
www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,1-1107671,00.html
