Robert Pires interview

Your last appearance for Arsenal came in the 2006 Champions League Final. You were replaced because of Jens Lehmann?s dismissal after only 12 minutes. How did that make you feel? How much did this play a part in your decision to leave the club?

Daniella Mallia, via email

18 minutes, not 12! I?ll never forget that. 
I knew Villarreal wanted me but I hadn?t made a decision, yet what happened in the final left me feeling very bad. That was the end; my mind was made. I knew a player had to go off after that red card but I never thought it would be me. When I saw it was my number, it killed me. I didn?t want to kill Wenger, but Jens? Yeah, I?d have killed the German! Bastard! It was the worst moment of my career. When I saw the number I thought, no, no, it can?t be!

Posted By: Charles21, Nov 18, 20:44:16