Football
ESPN staff 7y

Robert Pires eyeing up new role as Arsenal's sporting director

Robert Pires says he is hoping to be appointed sporting director by former club Arsenal.

Pires, who spent six years at the Gunners between 2000 and 2006, is currently the club's ambassador.

Bu the ex-France international feels that he would be better suited to the role of sporting director given that he knows the club well and has a positive relationship with manager Arsene Wenger.

"Yes, that is my objective [to become Arsenal's sporting director]," Pires is quoted as saying by The Sun.

"I don't know what will happen in the future, but I need to talk about it with the owners and Arsene Wenger. I'd love this job, I love to talk with the players. If I'm given this job one day, I can stay in contact with football, especially with Arsenal.

"I have a good relationship with the manager, that's important. I can work with the players, I can give advice to the young players, so we can find a good relationship between me and the players.

"I'm lucky because I'm still training with the first team sometimes. I maintain a good relation with the players and manager Arsene Wenger."

Many of Pires' former Arsenal teammates have spoken of their determination to succeed in management, with Patrick Vieira currently in charge of New York City FC and Thierry Henry an assistant manager with Belgium.

While Pires has not ruled out the prospect of managing in the future, he says he has no plans to do so currently.

"For the moment, management is not in my plans," Pires said. "Thierry, Patrick and [Arsenal youth coach] Freddie Ljungberg have a very good future as managers. But it's not for me, at least at the moment because I don't have a [coaching] licence.

"Maybe, one day. But at the moment I'm an ambassador for the club. This is a good job. There isn't too much pressure. I'm enjoying my new life."

^ Back to Top ^