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Villarreal’s Robert Pires Touted For Shock Olympique Marseille Return
Didier Deschamps wants Pires back at Stade Velodrome, but the supporters may see things a little differently as the former French international’s previous spell with the club ended in controversy...
22-Jan-2010 8:35:00 PM
By Robin Bairner
According to a report in France Football, it is possible that Villarreal's Robert Pires could make a move to Olympique de Marseille over a decade after leaving the Provence club to join Arsenal.
Pires has repeatedly stated his desire to return to France, though a move to Stade Velodrome was not previously thought possible. In the last year of his contract with el Submarino Amarillo, the veteran winger could yet make a return to Le Championnat, where he would team up with one of their true heavyweights.
However, the now 36-year-old left OM under a cloud, essentially going on strike at the conclusion of season 1999-2000, doing little to endear himself to the club’s notoriously vociferous supporters.
Didier Deschamps, the club’s present coach, believes that sufficient water has passed under the bridge to make such a switch viable and has reportedly even discussed the possibility with sporting director Jose Anigo.
Les Phoceens don’t have buckets of money to throw around, so Pires’ contractual position is certainly an advantage if a move is to be made before the end of January. It is also known they are in the market for a winger, having been linked strongly with Amantino Mancini before the Brazilian chose to stay with Inter.
The player, however, noted that he wishes to remain with Villarreal earlier this week.
Pires has repeatedly stated his desire to return to France, though a move to Stade Velodrome was not previously thought possible. In the last year of his contract with el Submarino Amarillo, the veteran winger could yet make a return to Le Championnat, where he would team up with one of their true heavyweights.
However, the now 36-year-old left OM under a cloud, essentially going on strike at the conclusion of season 1999-2000, doing little to endear himself to the club’s notoriously vociferous supporters.
Didier Deschamps, the club’s present coach, believes that sufficient water has passed under the bridge to make such a switch viable and has reportedly even discussed the possibility with sporting director Jose Anigo.
Les Phoceens don’t have buckets of money to throw around, so Pires’ contractual position is certainly an advantage if a move is to be made before the end of January. It is also known they are in the market for a winger, having been linked strongly with Amantino Mancini before the Brazilian chose to stay with Inter.
The player, however, noted that he wishes to remain with Villarreal earlier this week.
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