French football star Robert Pires coming to Pakistan

Former Arsenal star says he is excited about visiting Pakistan and participating in Leisure Leagues

KARACHI: French footballer and former Arsenal winger Robert Pires will be coming to Pakistan in July and joining Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaucho in a Leisure Leagues event that will take place that month.

In a video snippet, Pires confirmed that he was excited for the event.

“Assalam Alaikum Pakistan,” Pires told his fans. “Are you ready? I’m ready.”

Thank you #RobertPires for accepting our invitation and joining #RonaldinhoAndFriends this summer.

For details visit @leisureleaguepk pic.twitter.com/33OUraEHwy

— World Group (@wgtrunkwala1912) May 20, 2017

Pires played for French clubs Metz and Marseille prior to his time with Arsenal, where he won three FA Cups and two Premier League titles including the club's unbeaten season of 2003–04.



A former France international, Pirès earned 79 caps between 1996 and 2004 for his country, including winning both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.

He has been included in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons, was the Player of the Tournament for the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, FWA Player of the Year for the 2001–02 season, Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year for the 1995–96 season, and was included in the FIFA 100 by Pele.

He was also voted by Arsenal fans as the 6th greatest player in the club's history.



Pires played the majority of his career as a left winger, but could also play all across the midfield or in a position to support the forward line. He is currently coaching at Arsenal.

Besides Ronaldinho and Pires, other renowned footballers participating in the event include French player Nicolas Anelka, Dutch player George Boateng, England’s David James.

The event is being promoted as 'Ronaldinho and Friends'.