Arsenal legend Robert Pires is one of the star attractions of the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) and the former French international will be in action on Wednesday in Goa FC's first match of the tournament at home.
Being the marquee player of Goa, all hopes will be on Pires to get the club off to a winning start, but more importantly the Indian youngsters stand to gain immensely from his experience and that's where Indian football will benefit the most from his two-month stint in the ISL.
Later this month, Pires turns 41, but he is still super fit to dazzle in the ISL as he tells IBNLive Sports in this interview.
How excited are you about playing in the Indian Super League and do you think it can make an impact in a cricket-crazy nation?
I am really excited to be here and to be part of the Indian Super League. I received a warm welcome in Mumbai when I arrived and in Goa I am really looking forward to the league. I think ISL will bring in a positive change to football in India.
Goa FC has been in good form in pre-season friendly - how are the preparations going on for your opening tie against Chennaiyin FC?
The training has been going great. We are ready for the match and ready to win it.
Being an Arsenal legend, are you still in contact with Arsene Wenger and would like to see your friend Thiery Henry in the near future?
Arsene Wenger is a very important person in my life. When offer from the ISL came forward, I consulted with him. I explained him the concept. He very positively said, "Robert, go. If you are confident to play don't wait. You need to go."
You have played in the best league in the world (EPL) and now you have joined a new venture in India - how much the new challenge excites you?
Well, my passion is football. And I can still play, so I decided to come back to playing football. I believe that if you have the passion, you need to play. Besides, I have been training with Arsenal. I played for the club for so many years and I have a fantastic relationship with Arsene Wenger. I'm now ready for a new kind of competition. ISL is an interesting format. I'm excited about it and happy to be here in India. It's an honour being coached by a legend like Zico. It's a good opportunity; in fact, for me it's perfect. I'm sure ISL will be a success.
What bar is the FC Goa team trying to set and what are you guys aiming for in the inaugural season?
It has been great playing with the team in the past few weeks and we are looking forward to a great season ahead. We have a great marquee manager Zico, who is a legend and has helped the team a lot. We are just focusing on playing good football.
How much do you interact with local Indian players and who has impressed you the most so far?
I have been playing with the team for quite some time now and the boys are very talented. India has good talent. I cannot name one player because they all are good.
Where would you place Indian football and what are the improvements you will like to see in the Indian players?
For the development of football and football players, nurturing talent at the grass root level is very important and for that what is required is a good academy. If you have a good academy, you will produce good players. That's the most important point. It's critical. A player needs to learn. He needs to learn techniques and skills. ISL and FC Goa look to develop football at that grass root level, by providing all kind of facilities for kids who love to play. But I think ISL is a start for this and it will be good for the development football in India.
You have not played in top-flight football since your retirement - do you think you can give your best now?
Like I said earlier, football is my passion. I feel fit and ready for the league. I am here to help FC Goa win and will try my level best.
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