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France legend and Arsenal icon Robert Pires is excited to have the opportunity to play in a new country, a new league that could support the growth of football in India.
"I am very happy to be part of the new League when passion for football in India is on the rise. It will be great to play in front of the enthusiastic Indian fans as well as share all my knowledge with my team mates. I am sure the League will be a huge success and I am delighted to be part of it,” said Pires, a key marquee player of the upcoming Indian Super League.
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Pires is one of the most decorated players of his generation both at the club and also on the international stage. He was part of the Golden Generation of French Football, wherein he was instrumental in France lifting the 1998 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000 and FIFA Confederations Cup: 2001, 2003. Pires was voted as the ‘Player of the Tournament’ for the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup and earned 79 caps between 1996 and 2004 for his country.
He is best known for his time with English footballing giants Arsenal Football Club, with whom he won three FA Cups and two FA Premier League titles. Pires was an integral part of the 'Invincibles' title-winning Arsenal side in 2003-04. He has been included in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons, and was included in the FIFA 100 by Pelé. He was also voted by Arsenal fans as the 6th greatest player in the club's history. Pires has also played for other big clubs like Aston Villa, Villarreal, Marseille and FC Metz.
On 17 January 2012, Pirès became an Ambassador for Grassroot Soccer, an International non-profit that uses the power of football to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities to stop the spread of HIV.
