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London-based defender Robert Pires believes he can represent the French national team at next year's World Championship in Germany. The player announced on Sunday that he apologized to head coach Raymond Domenech for his disrespectful behavior. The 32-year-old footballer, who became a World Champion in 1998, criticized the current coach in one of the French football newspapers last year. "I spoke to the coach a few days ago because I wanted to apologize to him," Pires told French television channel TF1. "During a difficult period in my life, I said bad things, but I never wanted to hurt the team." Robert Pires was inspired by French national rugby team member Thomas Castaignede, who returned to the team in September after a long break. "Thomas Castaignede's return gave me hope. To be honest, he convinced me to speak to the coach," said the Arsenal defender. "I believe I will play in the World Championship."
