Pires: I won't forget the six years under Wenger

Former Arsenal midfielder Robért Píres has said that he would never forget his time at Arsenal, and especially playing for manager Arsène Wenger.

It was thought that there might be some bad blood between Píres and Wenger, caused by the latter's decision to substitute him as goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been red-carded for a professional foul.

Whilst Píres acknowledges that not picking up a Champions League medal was perhaps the biggest disappointment of his career, he respects the decision Wenger made on that night in Paris.

Píres, now a free agent and training with Arsenal, said: "We had to get over the farewell to Highbury quickly and prepare for the Champions League final. It was a game that every Arsenal player wanted to play in.

"And it was particularly special for us French players because it was taking place in Paris. We only had one aim: To bring the trophy back to London.

"Unfortunately it was difficult because Barcelona were a very good side and it didn't go as we hoped. Looking back now I can say that losing the Champions League final was the only real disappointment of my career.

"I have to admit that at the time it was difficult [to be replaced] because it's the final and you obviously want to play. But, I couldn't forget the six magnificent years playing for [Wenger] at Arsenal.

"Managers are paid to make those sorts of decisions and as a player you have to respect them."

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