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Recently, Robert Pires made it clear that he does not intend to leave London. His current contract as a 32-year-old midfielder ends this summer, so he is free to negotiate with other teams, but the "Gunners" offered him a one-year extension.
"A new generation of talented footballers is growing in the team. It will be a great honor for me to be able to teach them something," said R. Pires.
It is reported that goalkeeper Jens Lehmann will also remain at the club for another year. Players over the age of 30 are offered contract extensions of only one year by "Arsenal." J. Lehmann fully agrees with this club policy, while R. Pires hesitated for a long time and wanted to sign a two-year contract. It seems that the defender of the "Gunners" softened his tone and is inclined to stay with the team, which has moved to a new stadium.
"A new stadium is a new stage in the club's history," said Robert Pires. "Leaving 'Highbury,' we will be able to successfully compete with the most powerful clubs on the continent. I will gladly contribute to the creation of new history. Today, representatives of 'Arsenal' offered me a one-year contract extension, in accordance with Dennis Bergkamp's formula - one year, plus another and another."
On the other hand, Arsene Wenger mentioned that in order to keep the player, he may agree to a longer contract duration. "Sometimes exceptions are unavoidable. He is a very important player," said A. Wenger. "R. Pires has always played a crucial role in the team."
