Football
ESPN staff 9y

Arsenal legends in Indian Super League send support to Arsene Wenger

Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg -- two Arsenal legends playing in the Indian Super League (ISL) -- have sounded their support for under-fire Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger, praising his unflappable nature.

The Frenchman is going through trying times in the English Premier League with his club having made the worst start to a domestic season in 32 years. But two of his most famous players gave a timely reminder of the 65-year-old's resilience.

"Arsene always gave me confidence that we would score. He didn't panic," Ljungberg, who plays for Peter Reid's Mumbai City FC, told the Indian Super League website. "Some teams would put up a big striker in the last ten minutes if they hadn't scored. We did not and continued playing the same style."

The 37-year-old Swede, who played on the right wing and as a second striker during his Arsenal days, added: "Arsene taught me a lot. Not just as a coach but as a human being as well about values in life. As a coach, he made me comfortable on the pitch, giving me the confidence to play."

Pires, who mostly played on the left for Arsenal, added: "Everyone knows Arsene as a great manager. But more than that, as a person, he is very good. He gave me a lot of confidence. We learned a lot from him," said the 41-year-old Frenchman who plays for FC Goa managed by Brazilian legend Zico.

The duo won two Premier League titles in 2001-02 and 2003-04 while playing under Wenger, who took over at the North London club in 1996.

Both praised the team spirit forged by Wenger as their Arsenal side's outstanding quality. "We never had the approach that we want to be in the newspaper for scoring three goals. That didn't matter. That made the team special," said Ljungberg.

As for their time in the ISL, the Arsenal legends said they were dedicated to the development of football in India. "We have a mission for Indian players, for helping football here. There is potential. And most importantly, there is a passion for football here," said Pires.

Added Ljungberg: "We're here to play good football. But at the same time, the important thing is to inspire young players and to help Indian players take on board the experience we have.

"Everybody was saying, India is all about cricket. Wherever we go, I have seen a lot of interest in football. There is space for football in India."

Ljungberg's Mumbai are sixth on the table in the eight team ISL while Pires' FC Goa are fourth.

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