Frenchman Robert Pires became a legend during his six-year spell at the club, but a match made in heaven ended in tears.
Pires established himself as one of the greatest wingers in Premier League history during his time at Highbury, bringing a level of technical ability and flair not often seen in England, and was a crucial part of the Invincibles side.
The World Cup winner was one of Arsene Wenger’s very best signings, and he scored 87 goals in 287 appearances for the club, with Bukayo Saka recently matching his Premier League record.
However, Pires’ time at the club came to a gutting end, as he departed in 2006 as Arsenal moved to the Emirates Stadium. His final game came in the heartbreaking Champions League final, which was made even worse for him as he was withdrawn early on following a red card to goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
Robert Pires ended Arsenal career in heartbreak
Pires was facing an uncertain future at Arsenal, who were only willing to offer the 30-year-old a short-term contract before its expiry in 2006.
The decision to substitute Pires in the final against Barcelona proved disastrous, as not only did Arsenal miss his creativity, but the agony Pires felt on the day is what motivated him to leave and join Spanish side Villarreal.
“I can’t believe it, at no point did I think I’d be the one coming off,” he stated in 2021.
“I didn’t even look at Arsène. For me, he was going to take off Hleb or my friend Fabregas, because I could help in attack and I have that very good technical relationship with Henry. It’s not arrogance.
“Two days after when I told him I was leaving… basically, it triggered my exit.
“He wasn’t expecting it. I also needed to move on to something else.
“After the final, there was like a rupture… It was a horrible week: I learn that I’m not in the squad for the World Cup, I play 17 minutes in the final and we lose it… I’ve known better!”.
READ MORE: Robert Pires’ best-ever Arsenal teammates
How Robert Pires ended the rest of his career after leaving Arsenal
Pires joined Villarreal, and even played against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2009, with the fans at the Emirates giving him a warm reception.
He would then go on to play for Aston Villa and FC Goa, before retiring in 2015, but he has now admitted that leaving his playing days behind was tough.
“It was very difficult for me. My contract with Aston Villa came to an end and the day after I said: ‘No, come on. I want to play football.’ I may have lost my speed but I still thought I could play, although that’s football,” he told The Guardian.
Pires then revealed that Wenger offered him the chance to train with his Arsenal squad after retiring, for which he is grateful.
“I said to Wenger: ‘Boss, can I train with you every morning please?’ And he said: ‘Yes, of course,'” he added.
“It was very good for me but very hard to not be a real player any more. For me it was very special to be in the dressing room every day. But now I don’t have this every day and it feels like I’ve lost something.”
Pires often trained with Arsenal squads alongside Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla, and is still an ambassador for the club to this day, and whilst he has now shared his difficulties since retirement, the classy gesture from Wenger to his former star highlights the class of the legendary manager.