ONTD FOOTBALL

HIGHLIGHTS FROM ARSENAL v VILLAREAL

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Robert Pires Sad With Villarreal Defeat, Touched By Arsenal Reception

The veteran Frenchman has admitted that he was moved by the welcome he received at the Emirates Stadium.

Villarreal winger, Robert Pires made his very first return to Arsenal since his departure from North London back in 2006 for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Yellow Submarine were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by the Gunners but the veteran Frenchman still walked away a happy man after he was given a rousing reception by the Emirates faithful.

“On a personal level, it was very nice and very inspiring,” he told reporters after the match when asked about the moving ovation.

“Honestly, I did not expect it. Although I know that Arsenal players never forget their old colleagues, it still touched my heart. Also, I found out what it’s like to play in this stadium, as I’ve never been here before.

“In spite of the defeat, this will stay in my memory for a long time. It has been very emotional,” he added.

The 35-year-old, who played for Arsenal from 2000 to 2006, believes that Arsene Wenger’s current crop of young superstars will go far in the competition.

“This is a big team that have a lot of potential, a lot of pace, freshness and youth. I would wish to see them, as well as Wenger, go all the way to the final and win the Champions League.

“Today, I am still a fan of this team, especially because they play the kind of football that I love,” he praised.

Arsenal will now meet Manchester United in the semi-finals, with the first leg to be played at Old Trafford on April 29.

Villarreal, meanwhile, will turn their attention back to the Primera Division as they look to finish in the top four again to make next season’s edition. They are currently fifth in the standings, one point behind Valencia in fourth.
source.