Birth Date: October 29 1973
Birth Place: Reims
Birth Nation: France
Height: 181cm
Weight: 75Kg
Nationality: French
Position: Midfielder
Robert Pires was crowned 'Footballer of the Year' in 2002 by the Footballer Writers Association. Pires beat Ruud Van Nistelrooy by just five votes and David Beckham came third
Robert Pires Rumours and Transfers
26 07 2007
Sol Campbell mentioned that Portsmouth will not be his last club despite reported interest from Villarreal.
The defender, 32, has 12 months left on his current deal at Fratton Park and Pompey manager Harry Redknapp could be reluctant to allow him go.
However, La Liga side Villarreal are keen on pairing Campbell with former Arsenal team mates Pascal Cygan and Robert Pires.
And the former England international dropped the largest hint that he would quit the club in the summer when he said, "I do not think Portsmouth will be my last club."
He also thinks that inspite of missing out on European qualification last season by 2 points and further strengthening the team in the summer, Pompey still have a long way to go before they can be considered a top club.
He said, "They (the club's owners) have dipped into their pocket and bought several players. I still feel we require a couple more players in certain positions to really challenge and move in the right direction. It might not be for us now but, for the future of the club, getting a new training ground and stadium is a big thing as well. That has to go through for us to get into the 21st century. We must move on and look and be the part."
04 07 2007
Villarreal have agreed a deal to sign French international Rio Mavuba from Bordeaux.
The highly rated midfielder was linked with both Arsenal and Man Utd over the past 6 months, however will now continue his career in La Liga after agreeing a 5 year deal with The Yellow Submarine.
Villarreal will pay in the region of €8 million (£5.4 million) for Mavuba, leaving Bordeaux contemplating the exit of another key player after West Ham's swoop for Julien Faubert.
"Bordeaux, Villarreal and Rio Mavuba have come to an agreement for the transfer of the player to the yellows on a 5 year deal," Villarreal mentioned on their website.
Mavuba, who joins compatriots Robert Pires and Pascal Cygan at El Madrigal, added, "I do not speak Spanish very well, I can only mention that I am very happy."
Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc was linked with a move for Troyes' Blaise Matuidi as a probable like for like replacement for Mavuba.
12 06 2007
Robert Pires claims that Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has ruled out the possibility of signing for Villarreal in the summer.
The Blues midfielder was linked with a probable transfer to Spain, however Pires does not think his former France international team mate will be joining him at El Madrigal.
"[Roberto] Ayala and [Joan] Capdevila have already signed and they are 2 nice reinforcements," Pires informed L'Equipe. "However, Makelele has no wish to join us."
Pires has recovered from serious knee injury to help inspire Villarreal to a 7 game winning streak in Spain, and the former Arsenal man admitted that he is now keen to extend his deal beyond 2008.
"2 years at Villarreal is short, above all after 7 months without playing," Pires added.
"If the officials let me understand we can go beyond 2008, I would sign the paper tomorrow. I feel we can achieve good things at this club."
